‘Prana-yama’ can mean ‘breath control’ or ‘breath restraint’, or ‘prana-ayama’ which would translate as ‘freedom of breath’, ‘breath expansion’ or ‘breath liberation’. We can interpret Pranayama in a couple of ways. Perhaps one of the most fascinating things about Pranayama is the fact that it can mean two totally different things, which may lead us in two totally different directions at this point on the path to freedom…. Prana also often describes the breath, and by working with the way we breathe, we affect the mind in a very real way. It is often describe the very essence that keeps us alive, as well as the energy in the universe around us. The word Prana refers to ‘energy’ or ‘life source’. Perhaps this is something to consider in your next yoga class if you always tend to choose the ‘advanced’ posture offered, rather than the one your body is able to attain: “In how many poses are we really comfortable and steady?” 4. The idea is to be able to sit in comfort so we’re not ‘pulled’ by aches and pains or restlessness due to being uncomfortable. While traditional texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika list many postures such as Padmasana (lotus pose) and Virasana (hero pose) suitable for meditation, this text also tells us that the most important posture is, in fact, sthirasukhasana – meaning, ‘a posture the practitioner can hold comfortably and motionlessness’.

The only alignment instruction Patanjali gives for this asana is “sthira sukham asanam”, the posture should be steady and comfortable. The physical aspect of yoga is the third step on the path to freedom, and if we’re being honest, the word asana here doesn’t refer to the ability to perform a handstand or an aesthetically impressive backbend, it means ‘seat’ – specifically the seat you would take for the practice of meditation. As you’ll notice, when we work with the Niyamas – from saucha to isvararpranidhana – we are guided from the grossest aspects of ourselves to the truth within. Interestingly, the Niyamas closely relate to the Koshas, our ‘sheaths’ or ‘layers’ leading from the physical body to the essence within. Niyamas are traditionally practised by those who wish to travel further along the Yogic path and are intended to build character. isvarapranidaha (surrender to a higher power).svadhyaya (self-study or self-reflection, and study of spiritual texts), and.tapas (discipline or burning desire or conversely, burning of desire),.The prefix ‘ni’ is a Sanskrit verb which means ‘inward’ or ‘within’. The second limb of the 8 limbs of yoga, Niyama, usually refers to internal duties. In BKS Iyengar’s translation of the sutras ‘Light On The Yoga Sutras’, he explains that Yamas are ‘unconditioned by time, class and place’, meaning no matter who we are, where we come from, or how much yoga we’ve practised, we can all aim to instil the Yamas within us.

Yoga is a practice of transforming and benefitting every aspect of life, not just the 60 minutes spent on a rubber mat if we can learn to be kind, truthful and use our energy in a worthwhile way, we will not only benefit ourselves with our practice, but everything and everyone around us.

Hatha yoga sequences pdf