Friends, many people come to meditation hoping to sit down, close their eyes and immediately feel the bliss of being. And then they sit, and what do they feel? Pain in the back, restlessness in the body, a mind that won’t stop talking. And they think: this isn’t working for me.
This is exactly why yoga has steps. The goal of it all is to realise that in essence we are already complete, already connected. We are an expression of the divine, like a nerve ending on a big body, able to experience all the beauty of creation. But to come to that realisation, we need to prepare. The 8 limbs of yoga are those stepping stones.
1 and 2. Yamas and niyamas: how you live
The first two limbs are about the way you live, outside and inside. Being truthful and honest, not harming, not taking what isn’t yours, contentment, self-discipline, taking good care of your body and mind. Maybe you weren’t honest with someone yesterday, or you ate five pizzas and feel sluggish. All of this affects your energy system. A wholesome life is the foundation.
3. Asana: taking care of the body
Then the postures. Not to become super flexible or to show what you can do, but to make the body strong, open and healthy, so it can sit comfortably and the energy can flow.
4. Pranayama: the breath
The breath is the key to the subconscious. It is like the remote control. With pranayama we learn to regulate the energy system, calm the mind and balance the emotions.
5. Pratyahara: turning inward
Withdrawing the senses from the outside world, so that attention can rest within.
6, 7 and 8. Concentration, meditation and samadhi
Then concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and finally samadhi: a state of pure presence. Not trying to fix or change anything, but being with the whole experience of life from a deeper, blissful state of being. You still feel emotions, but you are no longer lost in them.
Why the steps matter
There is a beautiful paradox here: you practise and practise, only to realise that there is nothing to change about your essence. You were already whole. But the practices help you get to that realisation. Skipping the foundation is like building a house without a base.
Where to start today
- Choose one yama or niyama to focus on this week, for example truthfulness or contentment.
- Do 10 minutes of gentle movement every morning.
- Add 5 minutes of slow breathing, then sit in silence for a few minutes.
Continue your practice
In Breath is Life I teach pranayama together with movement and meditation, and Awakening takes you deeper into meditation and mind training. All my courses are pay what you can, so everyone can learn these practices, whatever their situation.
May we all be blessed with peace, love and wisdom.
Michaël
