Yoga is far more than a workout. It’s a mind-body EXPERIENCE. Find out how its basic foundations apply to all aspects of life in this unique discussion on the Five Pillars of Yoga!
A nice sweaty yoga class always brings a good workout and LOTS of thinking. I swear, if you ever have writers block….GO TO YOGA! At my studio at least, the teachers are ALWAYS saying the most inspiring words and really making you consider new ideas and perspectives. Similar to my post about ‘detoxing your mind‘, a class I took recently got me thinking about a lot of things as well.
The focus of the class was on the Five Pillars of Yoga. My teacher wanted us to focus on the foundation and the basis for our whole yoga practice. She wanted us to work on the basics of getting strong in the founding principles of the practice instead of just trying to rush through and move from pose to pose.
The class was tough. Physically and mentally. It involved a lot of long, slow holds and a lot of repetition to really work on nailing the basic postures. But more than that, it got me thinking about how the Five Pillars of Yoga not only have powerful meaning within your practice, but also in your entire life. They can all be applied to everyday living and will help you stay grounded just as they do during yoga.
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Ujjayi (breath)
In yoga, breath is the most important element. Yoga literally means breath with movement and it is the driving force behind your entire practice. It informs each movement, guides the flow, and allows you to work through the most difficult of sequences.
In life, breath can serve much of the same purpose. It’s the one constant in your life and it’s something you can always come back to in moments of stress and worry. Breath is a reminder that you’re alive, you’re present, you’re OKAY. No matter what else is happening in your life, your breath keeps you moving and it’s always there to support you. Literally and figuratively.
Drishti (gaze)
In yoga, drishti refers to your gaze. It is the basis for developing a focused intention and concentration during your practice. As you move through different poses your drishti changes, but it’s meaning never alters. It keeps your grounded and focused on what you’re doing in the present moment. It keeps your mind from wandering and it keeps you centered. Drishti is one of the most important elements for entering a state of meditation.
In life, your gaze can be your focus on your goals, hopes, and dreams for your life. What you set out to do can be accomplished if you stay focused, work hard, and keep your aspirations in mind. Gazing towards your future and striving to make a better tomorrow for yourself gives you something to base an intention on. Everyday you can set out to accomplish certain things and stay on top of your obligations.
Foundation (legs, core, arms)
In yoga, the foundation of your practice is keep your legs, core, and arms engaged in every movement. They create a strong base for each pose and my ‘turning on’ these body parts you light up your muscles and really work your body. These key body parts also give you all the strength behind each posture. They inform each thing you do in your practice and they allow you to explore the possibilities that your body has. Rooting your legs in every posture, lighting up your hands, and tightening your core builds awareness and also keeps you safe from injury.
In life, your legs, core, and arms are what literally carry your through every. damn. day. The saying goes: “As the foundation is laid, so the walls of the house will rise.” So keeping these body parts strong and stable is key to staying healthy. They are your bodies powerhouses and you shouldn’t go a day without be grateful for all they do for you.
Tapas (heat)
In yoga, heat is all around you. The room is literally heated…but more importantly heat is created within you. From your focus, from your core, and literally from all the movement you’re doing. The heat enhances strength, increases flexibility, improves posture, gives mental clarity, balances blood pressure, and improves ability to concentrate.
In life, heat is the fire within you. Your passion. Your drive. Your determination. It challenges you, but it also keeps you motivated and keeps you moving.
Vinyasa (flow, movement)
In yoga, vinyasa is the culminating element. It is what all the other pillars lead to. The flow and the movement of the class. You can’t have this pillar without the others. It is literally the linking of body movement with breath specific sequences, the setting of an intention for one’s personal yoga practice, and taking the necessary steps toward reaching that goal.
In life, movement is all around us. We need physical movement to stay healthy and happy. But as I always say, movement should be natural and fun, NOT FORCED. So try to incorporate movement into your day by doing what you enjoy. Your body and mind will thank you for it. Also, life has its own sort of ebb and flow. Sometimes there are high points and peaks, and other times there are low points and valleys. But each experience gives us something to learn from. We are defined by everything we go through and can improve based on everything we are forced to face.
I can’t tell you how much yoga means to me and how much I continually learn from it. It’s something I hope to have in my life forever and I am so grateful to be able to do it. One of my friends recently found out she would no longer be able to practice yoga for some health reasons and I know how tough that is for her since it was one of her passions. So just be thankful everyday for what your body can do. Treat it right and try to incorporate these yogic principles into your own life.
Do you practice yoga regularly?
Which pillar of yoga do you most relate to?
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[…] How the Five Pillars of Yoga Apply to Life […]
love this! i have got to get back into yoga!!
It really is incredible what it can do for you!
I really like how you applied the five pillars of yoga to life in general! Everything is so true 🙂
Thank you!!
I practice yoga at least 4 days a week and would be lost without it. Your post was exactly how I feel about how yoga is the balance in my day to day.
Thanks Consie! Yoga definitely gives me a feeling of centering and balance as well!
This is interesting! I’m pinning so I can read more detail later. I love yoga & Pilates. I’m in a Barre class 3 times a week and it’s great. I found your blog on SITS, I hope your having a great Saturday!
Thanks for stopping by!! Happy Saturday!!
Ujjayi (breath) is the pillar I most relate to. I practice deep breathing when my stress levels begin to creep up. It’s amazing that focusing on the breath can help focus your inner thoughts. Yoga has taught me so much about my inner self and how to focus my thoughts.
Great post.
Visiting from SITS
Thank you so much Barbara! I agree, breath is so important and can really help you get through anything! It’s like something that’s always there to remind you to stay grounded and present.
This is brilliant! I love being able to tie different aspects of my life together in practical ways. I love the vinyasa part of my practice. The rhythmic routine movements almost send me to a meditative state on their own. It really helps clear my mind. :o)
V
Life+1
I agree! A nice flow with lots of movement always makes me feel so good!
I love this! The basics of yoga so often get lost and overshadowed by doing fun fancy flips and standing on my head, but this is the actual important stuff. I went to a really fun Kundalini yoga class at the fruit festival last week–oh how I love group classes with actual teachers not in my bedroom on youtube ha 😀
Oooooh I would love to hear a recap of your fruit festival experience!! Will you be posting about it on the blog???
Your yoga classes sound awesome! This is a great reminder that I need to get back into yoga soon. I just feel off without it!
Me too! It’s something I have an on and off relationship with…but I really need to do it regularly!!
I love this post! Thank you for breaking down the pillars! 🙂 I find breath is the most important to me and the one I need to work on most in my life. I suffer from anxiety and yoga always helps me cope.
So welcome! Glad you liked the post!
Wow, difficult to choose one really. But Ujjaya is very important to me and I really focus on this during my yoga. Just the same, as you point out, as in life. People can very much underestimate the power of the breath and using it properly. #brillblogpots
So true! Love breath work!
Good post. I practice daily with online videos because it is so difficult to find a teacher who works with more than just the physical posters. Yoga is not something you do, it is how you live. It has certainly changed my life for the better.
Thank you so much Genie! I agree…finding a great instructor is tough!
Interesting blog about the 5 Pilars of Yoga and how they apply to life. Pinned it. Balance is the concept I’m working on right now. I’m so passionate about what I do (writing and cooking) I sometimes get carried away and forget to move around. I’m making yoga, walks, and other exercise my way to start my day. Funny, all else gets done that’s supposed to get done in the flow. You may want to check out a recent post of mine.
Thank you!!
Love this. Of course. Breath and movement can be life changing.
Thanks Jill!!!
[…] Of course, yoga is much deeper than a workout or a hobby. I loved this thought-provoking post by fellow blogger Kaila – How the Five Pillars of Yoga Apply to Life. […]
This is brilliant and shows how important yoga is
Thanks so much!!!
Great post, I love yoga!
Thanks so much for linking up with us for #HealthyVeganFridays! I’m Pinning and sharing!
Thanks Mary Ellen!
[…] I need in my life. Right next to homemade french onion soup. Yum!Next Healthy Helper Blog shared The 5 Pillars of Yoga. Again, perfect timing. I’ve been strongly considering getting my yoga practice back up and […]