What is the Best Time to Practice Yoga?
Exploring the importance of ideal timing for Asa...
06
Oct
Yoga
28
Jul
Exploring the Last Three Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi
In the journey of Ashtanga Yoga, the last three limbs—Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi—represent the pinnacle of yogic practice. These advanced stages guide practitioners from focused concentration to deep meditation, ultimately leading to a state of enlightenment. In this blog article, we will delve into these final limbs, their significance in a holistic yoga practice, their benefits, and how they can be practiced.
13
Jul
The Fifth Limb of Ashtanga Yoga: Pratyahara – The Art of Sensory Withdrawal
Pratyahara, often referred to as “withdrawal of the senses,” is about learning to tune out external distractions and turn our focus inward. This practice sets the stage for deeper concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana), which follow in the last three limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Let’s take a closer look at what Pratyahara is all about, why it’s important, and how you can practice it.
30
Jun
What is Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Ashtanga Yoga
The fourth limb, Pranayama, is often translated as “breath control” but carries a deeper significance. The term is derived from two Sanskrit words: “prana,” meaning life force or vital energy, and “ayama,” meaning expansion or control. Pranayama, therefore, refers to the regulation and expansion of the life force through deliberate breathing techniques. In traditional yogic philosophy, there is a belief that one’s lifespan is measured in breaths.
16
Jun
Why Do We Practice Asana: Exploring The Third Limb of Yoga
The third limb is Asana, which refers to the physical postures of yoga. The word “Asana” comes from the Sanskrit root “ās” which means “to sit” or “to be established in a particular position.” The original purpose of the physical practice of yoga, known as Asana, was to prepare the body for prolonged periods of meditation and to facilitate the spiritual journey toward self-realization and enlightenment.
09
Jun
What are the Niyamas: Exploring The Second Limb of Yoga
Following the Yamas, which provide ethical guidelines for our interactions with the external world, the second of the eight limbs is the Niyamas. These are personal observances or disciplines that guide our inner growth and help us cultivate a positive and harmonious inner life. Hereby, Ni (नि) translates to “within” and Yama (यम) to “restraint”. The Niyamas consist of five principles that support the development of self-discipline, purity, and contentment.
31
May
An Introduction to the Eight Limbs of Yoga: What are the Yamas?
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of classical yoga philosophy, outline an eight-limbed path to above mentioned enlightenment and self-realization. The first of the eight limbs are the Yamas. The Yamas are ethical guidelines or moral imperatives that govern our behavior and interactions with the world around us. The Yamas are the foundation upon which a yogic lifestyle is built and provide a moral compass.
04
May
How Thick Should a Yoga Mat Be: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Good Yoga Mat Thickness
The thickness of your yoga mat can, for example, impact your practice by influencing everything from comfort and stability to portability and durability. We want to lay out some important aspects for you to consider before choosing a good yoga mat thickness for you, your mat and your practice. We will give you a few tips below, but these are ultimately influenced by everyone’s personal preferences.
18
Apr
Victorious Breath: A Guide to Ujjayi Pranayama in Yoga
Part of the ancient practice of yoga is Pranayama, also known as “breath control”. However, pranayama is really much more than that. A more exact translation is “controlling the life force or life energy”. Prana is our life energy – in the form of the breath – which we can learn to control with certain breathwork exercises. One of the most common forms of pranayama in yoga is the so called Ujjayi Pranayama.
05
Mar
TPE vs. Natural Rubber Yoga Mats: Highlighting the Differences
The choice of your yoga mat goes beyond just aesthetics or comfort — it’s a decision about sustainability, performance, and alignment with your values. In many of our other articles, we discuss the benefits and unique aspects of cork yoga mats. Today we want to explore the two most common materials used as backing for cork yoga mats: Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and natural rubber.