Observing the Eight-limbed Path of Yoga
Reflections from YOGAMOTIF teachers
My daily yoga practice is not limited to Asana, or physical postures. It is the ongoing observation of the eight limb path. In the Yoga Sutras, Pantajali offers the eight limbs as a way to guide and shape our ability to live liberated lives.
“By the sustained practice of the eight limbs of yoga, impurities are destroyed and the light of wisdom, discrimination shines forth.” - Yoga Sutra 2.28
The eight limbs are:
Yamas- restraints
Niyama- observations
Asana- posture
Pranayama- breath practice
Pratayara- withdrawal of the senses
Dharana- concentration
Dhyana- meditation
Samadi- liberation/enlightenment
“Yoga is stilling the fluctuations of the mind.” - Yoga Sutra 1.2
The transition from the quiet dormancy of winter to the vivid activation of spring can be challenging for those of us who find comfort in the solitude of winter. It is a season that offers a prolonged opportunity to turn inward, a reminder that stillness is a gift and rest is essential.
For me, the limb that corresponds with winter is Pratyahara, or sensory withdrawal. The practice of Pratyahara allows us to notice where our attention is drawn by spending time consciously not reacting to the sensations of the five senses. Instead, you can simply close your eyes and go within. Pratyahara is a practice of noticing but not chasing and offering curiosity in place of reacting. In a world that is constantly demanding our attention it is a radical act to pause and shift this focus from our social media platforms, the twenty-four hour news cycle, or the latest thing we want to buy- and to instead go within.
“Complete mastery over the roaming tendencies of inhalation and exhalation is pranayama.” - Yoga Sutra 2.49
Spring is the invitation to come out of the metaphorical cave of winter. It announces itself with increased amounts of sunlight, the blooming of colorful flora, and the everpresent chirping of birds. Yet, there is a grief that I associate with this time of year. We enter the cold months as one version of ourselves and leave another. It is important to honor this transformation rather than simply rushing ahead.
The limb that allows me to honor this transition is Pranayama, or breath control. There are a myriad of pranayama techniques one can study and utilize. In this case, we may offer ourselves the simple practice of acknowledging that with each exhale you are releasing and with each inhale you nourish. Just as the trees sprout leaves to begin the necessary work of photosynthesis, transforming light into energy. Our breath can serve to bring awareness to our bodies' ongoing cycles of release and nourishment.
The study and practice of the eight limb path allows me to tap into my connection with nature and all living beings. It honors the need to live with intention and gives me a place to begin when I feel overwhelmed.
If you aren’t already practicing the eight limbs I invite you to spend some time studying them.
Consider:
What limbs do you resonate with? How can you weave the Niyamas or Yamas into your day to day life? What does a daily Pranayama or Pratyahara practice look like for you? A former teacher once reminded me that when we are moving through sun salutations, the sun that we are saluting is within ourselves. How can the eight limbs support you in honoring your inner light?
This reflection is a part of Spring into Wellness, A funded project through the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of the Provost and its 2022-23 theme, the Year of Emotional Well-Being. This three-part Spring into Wellness project includes in-person classes, a 31-Days of Creative Wellness virtual routine, and a weekly inspirational newsletter.