Yoga Off The Mat: The Yamas

The second post in our series Exploring The 8 Limbs of Yoga

I say it in my yoga classes all the time, yoga is so much more than the 1 hour we step on the mat for asana practice. Yoga as a whole has 8 limbs and only 1 is dedicated to the movement practice we've all come to love here in the western world.

When I first began my yoga journey, I was drawn to the physical challenge—the asana practice. It felt invigorating, and I loved how it pushed my body and helped me train my thoughts. But as I learned more about yoga’s depth, I quickly realized why this ancient practice has such a profound effect on not just the body but the mind and spirit too. The Yamas, the first limb of yoga, became a cornerstone of this understanding, helping me realize that true wellness extends far beyond diet and exercise. It encompasses how we show up in the world, how we treat others, and how we care for ourselves too.

The Yamas are moral and ethical guidelines that invite us to live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the world. They mirror teachings I grew up with in Christianity, which validated their profound importance to me. Observing these principles has deepened my yoga practice, both physically and spiritually, and has helped me honor myself, others, and even God.

Let’s explore the five Yamas and how they hold transformative power for our lives today.

1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

Ahimsa, or non-violence, is the practice of kindness and compassion towards all living beings, including ourselves. In today’s fast-paced and often polarizing world, practicing Ahimsa can mean stepping back from heated arguments on social media or choosing to approach a difficult conversation with empathy rather than anger. This practice can help us identify self-criticism patterns and replace it with self-compassion. Notice your inner dialogue and choose words that uplift rather than harm. Practice kindness in your relationships, even during conflict. Seek understanding before judgment. Sometimes it's easier said than done. This too is a practice. Practice awareness around your thoughts, practice being the observer, or simply stop to take a breath before responding.

Reflective Exercise:

Write about a moment when you chose kindness over confrontation, with yourself and with others. How did it feel? How did it impact the situation?

2. Satya (Truthfulness)

Satya is living and speaking your truth while being mindful of its impact. In a society overwhelmed by misinformation and performative perfection, Satya encourages authenticity and integrity. Allow yourself to be radically honest with yourself about your needs and boundaries. Honor them by communicating clearly with others. Speak your truth without causing harm. Combine Satya with Ahimsa to ensure your honesty uplifts rather than hurts.

Reflective Exercise:

Ask yourself: Are there areas in your life where you’re not being fully truthful? What steps can you take to align your actions with your truth?

3. Asteya (Non-Stealing)

Asteya goes beyond physical theft to include time, energy, and ideas. It’s about respecting what belongs to others and living with a sense of contentment. Respect others' time by being punctual and present. Avoid comparing yourself to others, which can steal your joy and peace. Contribute your unique gifts to the world rather than imitating others.

Reflective Exercise:

Think about where you might unintentionally “steal”—perhaps someone’s or your own time or emotional energy. How can you restore balance?

4. Brahmacharya (Moderation)

Often interpreted as celibacy, Brahmacharya in modern contexts encourages moderation in all things to maintain balance and focus. It’s about channeling your energy toward meaningful pursuits rather than overindulgence. For example practicing this might look like limiting screen time and social media to create space for deeper connections and self-reflection. So often students tell me they don't have time to meditate, my response is always, "Really? What was your screen time like last week? I bet you do." Eat mindfully, savoring each bite rather than overeating or choosing foods that don’t nourish you. While you eat practice being present, avoid distractions from devices.

Reflective Exercise:

Identify one area of your life where you feel unbalanced. What small changes can you make to restore harmony?

5. Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)

Aparigraha encourages us to let go of attachment to material possessions, people, and outcomes. In our consumer-driven culture, this Yama reminds us to focus on what truly matters. Practicing Aparigraga could look like decluttering your space and donating items you no longer need. It could look like letting go of outcomes or expectations. Allow yourself to practice gratitude for what you have rather than striving for what you don’t. Release expectations and embrace the present moment.

Reflective Exercise:

What are you holding onto that no longer serves you? How can you learn to let it go?

The Yamas: A Foundation for Wellness

Practicing the Yamas has transformed my life, making me more grounded, present, and connected. They’ve given me tools to manage stress and anxiety, improve my relationships, and deepen my sense of Self. Observing these principles helps us show up better in every area of life—for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world. Practicing these tools helps me put my best foot forward and gives me something to lean on when things get sticky.

In today’s political and social climate, the Yamas offer a roadmap for navigating challenges with grace and integrity. As we face changes in leadership and shifts in societal values, these timeless teachings remind us that what we put out into the world comes back to us tenfold. By practicing non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-possessiveness, we create a ripple effect of positivity and peace inspiring those around us to do the same.

Your turn to go deeper into your practice. How can you integrate the Yamas into your daily life? Start small. Choose one principle to focus on this week, and observe how it impacts your thoughts, actions, and interactions. Share your journey with us in the comments or on social media!

For more tools to deepen your yoga practice, explore our Meditate to Elevate, a digital library of guided meditations and stay tuned for upcoming posts in this series.

With gratitude,

Giana