by KC -

Happy Endings, Difficult Beginnings

Hi Yogi friends. It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me and for that I am sorry. When I started my blog it was never my intent to be silent this long. I finally feel ready to update you on where I’ve been and to begin connecting again consistently.

April and May were a whirlwind and centered around finishing up assignments for my graduation from Maria Santoferraro’s Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul Yoga Teacher Training. The program had a decent amount of work; not too much where it was overwhelming, but enough to keep you engaged and learning between our monthly hands-on training weekends. Never in my life did I imagine I would be learning anatomy and find it interesting, or learn so many Sanskrit words. The last thing I anticipated happening during training was to meet and grow with a wonderful group of women whom I’m so lucky to now have as friends.

The day after graduating as a RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance I was offered the opportunity to substitute teach some Sunday evening classes at Yoga Bliss’s Fairlawn location. This quickly led to more teaching opportunities with the studio at both their Fairlawn and Green locations. I was excited and prepared to jump into my career towards the end of June.  (If you’re interested in where and when I’m teaching visit my Schedule page.)

Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul class of 2018. Photo courtesy of Terrie Moeller.

Until my life irrevocably changed.

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by KC -

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Pantanjali is an Indian sage who is believed to have lived in the second or first century BCE.  He is credited with writing the Yoga Sutras, or Yoga Threads, which explain the philosophy and ethics of yoga.  In his text Pantanjali gives us the Eight Limbs of Yoga which are guides for living.  Through practicing the Eight Limbs, it is believed that it is possible for one to attain self-realization and reduce suffering.

Over time the Orchid Asana blog will take an in-depth look at each of the Eight Limbs.  In the meantime, take a listen to yogi musician, MC Yogi, sing about the Eight Limbs.

  1. Yamas: These are the first five of the ten ethics of yoga and focus on restraints and moral disciplines. The five Yamas are:
    • Ahimsa: Non-violence, or non-harming
    • Satya: Truthfulness
    • Asteya: Non-stealing
    • Bramacharya: Non-excess, or restraint
    • Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness
  2. Niyamas: These are the second set of five code of ethics focusing on positive duties or observances. The five Niyamas are:
    • Saucha: Purity
    • Santosha: Contentment
    • Tapas: Self-discipline or austerity
    • Svadhyaya: Self-study, inner exploration
    • Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender or devotion to the Divine
  3. Asana: Posture, the physical practice of yoga
  4. Pranayama: Breathing techniques
  5. Pratyahara: Withdrawl of the senses
  6. Dharana: Focused concentration
  7. Dhyana: Meditative absorption
  8. Samadhi: Bliss or enlightenment
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