The Yamas & Niyamas: A Heartfelt Guide to Living a Yoga LifestyleÂ
I have spoken and written these words so much…Yoga is so much more than just movement, it’s a way of life, a path that leads us to look within ourselves. At the roots of this path are the Yamas and Niyamas, which are the first two limbs of yoga. These are not strong rules but gentle reminders, guiding us toward a life of greater peace, integrity, and joy.
When I first started reading Deborah Adele’s book, The Yamas & Niyamas during my Yoga Teacher Training, something deep inside me opened up and softened. It felt like an old wisdom like my vavo speaking directly to my heart, reminding me of what I already knew but sometimes forget in the busyness of life. These guidelines are not about perfection; they are about practice, about showing up, again and again, with curiosity, kindness, and most importantly with an open heart.
The YAMAS: How We Show Up in the World
The Yamas help us work through our relationships with others, with the world, and with ourselves. They are like signs that are posted, pointing us toward a life of greater peace and alignment.
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence) At its core, this is about kindness toward ourselves, others, and the world around us. It’s choosing love over fear, softness over harshness, and grace over judgment.
2. Satya (Truthfulness) Living our truth, speaking from the heart, and being honest with ourselves. Truth is not just about words; it’s about alignment, living in a way that feels authentic and real.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing) More than just taking physical things, this is about trust and presence. It’s not stealing time, energy, or joy from ourselves or others. It’s trusting that what we have is enough.
4. Brahmacharya (Non-excess) A reminder that balance is sacred. Life is meant to be enjoyed, but not in a way that leaves us depleted. It’s about honoring what truly nourishes us.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) Letting go. Releasing the grip. Trusting the flow. When we stop clinging whether to things, relationships, or old stories we create space for something new to unfold.
The Niyamas: How We Nurture Ourselves
If the Yamas are about our outer world, the Niyamas are about our inner world. They invite us into a deeper, more loving relationship with ourselves.
1. Shaucha (Purity) Not just physical cleanliness, but clarity of mind, body, and spirit. It’s surrounding ourselves with what lifts us up, clears the clutter, and brings us peace.
2. Santosha (Contentment) A big exhale. A reminder that this moment is enough. It’s not about complacency but about finding joy right where we are, even as we grow.
3. Tapas (Self-discipline) Â The fire within. The inner strength to keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Tapas is the quiet commitment to ourselves, the daily devotion to what truly matters.
4. Svadhyaya (Self-study) Who am I? What is true for me? Svadhyaya is the lifelong journey of self-awareness, the deep dive into our own hearts, peeling back the layers to remember who we really are.
5. Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to the Divine) The great letting go. The trust fall. The knowing that we don’t have to hold it all together, that something greater is always holding us.
Bringing It Into OUR Daily Life
The beauty of the Yamas and Niyamas is that they meet us where we are. We simply notice. We simply practice. We bring awareness. We notice. We soften.
Some days, Ahimsa means speaking to myself with more kindness. Some days, Tapas means staying committed to my morning matcha ritual and prayers, even when I don’t feel like it. Some days, Aparigraha means unclenching my fists and letting go of expectations.
Yoga is not about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about creating space in our hearts and our lives to live with more love, more grace, and more truth.
I invite you to read and to explore these guidelines for yourself, not as rigid rules but as loving reminders. Let them weave into your life in gentle, natural ways. See where they take you.
From my heart to yours, Stacey ❤️
