The yoga pose is not the goal. Handstand is not the goal. The goal is not to change who you are or ‘fix’ who you are. The goal is to train the body and mind to self observe, become aware of your own nature, and cultivate higher consciousness.

As a Yoga Teacher we have the amazing opportunity to introduce students to the ideas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, the foundational text of Yoga. He divided Yoga into Eight Limbs. The idea of the Eight Limbs is to offer wisdom for living a more meaningful and purposeful life.

The first limb, Yama, deals with one’s sense of integrity, focusing on our behavior and how we conduct ourselves in life. Niyama, the second limb, has to do with self-discipline and spiritual observances. The third through eighth limbs are Asana (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (focused concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss or enlightenment).

The first two limbs, the Yamas and Niyamas, are 10 guidelines to help you live a more skillful and harmonious life. They’re like a map written to guide you on your life’s journey.

Each week we focus on a different guideline and students write a reflection on their own experience. Below is a student’s reflection on the Yama called Aparigraha, non-possessiveness, non-attachment, non-greed, non-clinging, or simply letting go.

“I often find in my life that I unknowingly push my expectations and wants upon others around me. For example, I remember times when I was little and would beg my mom for us to eat out, or plead for that new phone that I just had to have. I often realize many aspects of my life are set with high expectations. Not only do I set high expectations for others, but also myself. I feel that if I never achieve that perfect grade point average, or hit the perfect note in a song, I’ll be a failure. While I read I discovered the quote, ‘The play and spontaneity and fun in my life were becoming almost nonexistent. Invincibility was eating all the joy out of my life.’ (The Yamas & Niyamas)

I realized how I had built this wall around myself because I wanted to keep others out so they couldn’t  break down my barriers and see the parts of me that at times can easily crumble. I found that letting go and letting loose a little has helped me to find calm and peace within myself. I spend a lot of my time trying to maintain a strong demeanor and try to look presentable for others. I have discovered by letting this habit go I have felt more free and comfortable in my own skin. As I write these reflections each week, I think about how they affect me personally. I am not used to change so it’s a slow start into changing my habits and ways, but big change starts with a single step, so who knows? Maybe with some encouragement and confidence in my abilities I will achieve that handstand, and maybe in time and practice I will finally learn how to let my freak flag fly and be truly free. I can’t say that every one of these chapters has helped me to become someone new and in my personal opinion that’s just fine. I can’t change everything in my life, but with practice and patience, I think I can make it a better one.”

Yoga is much more than a physical practice or a series of fitness exercises. There is so much more to gain than physical strength and flexibility. I often think of myself as a facilitator rather than a teacher, guiding my students through the learning process. The teaching/learning process is reciprocal and it’s an opportunity for everyone to create, express themselves, and grow together.