Letting go of the faith I was raised in was both freeing and terrifying. For years, I felt like I was floating without direction, missing the structure that once shaped my choices. I wasn’t looking to replace it with something else, but I did long for a way to live with intention—one that didn’t require belief in a particular tradition.
My favorite Yoga Sutras book.
The Path of the Yoga Sutras by Nicolai Bachman
When I first learned about the Yamas and Niyamas, something clicked. Unlike the rigid rules I had known before, these were invitations—guiding principles that encouraged self-reflection rather than fear-based obedience. They gave me a place to land, a way to approach life that felt aligned with my evolving values.
More importantly, they taught me that ethical living isn’t about getting it “right” all the time. It’s a practice, just like yoga itself. Some days, it’s easy to show up. Other days, we fall short. But it’s always possible to begin again.
The Yoga Sutras—especially the Eight Limbs of Yoga—have become a reliable foundation that I return to again and again for guidance. Sometimes the wisdom feels so obvious, almost like common sense. But I’ve found that the simplest ideas often have the most profound impact and need to be reinforced regularly.
Over the next few months, we’ll be studying the Eight Limbs of Yoga—both here on the blog and in Sutra School. We’re starting with the first limb, the Yamas, and next month, we’ll explore the Niyamas.
What Are the Yamas?
Think of the Yamas as yoga’s ethical foundation—the principles that guide how we engage with the world. They aren’t commandments but invitations to live with more awareness and integrity.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): More than just avoiding physical harm, Ahimsa is about choosing kindness in our thoughts, words, and actions—toward ourselves and others. It’s about recognizing where we may be causing harm (even unintentionally) and shifting toward compassion.
Satya (Truthfulness): Living truthfully means aligning our words and actions with reality while balancing honesty with kindness. Truth should never be used as a weapon, but as a way to create clarity and integrity in our relationships.
Asteya (Non-stealing): Beyond material possessions, Asteya encourages us to be mindful of the time, energy, and emotional labor we take from others. It reminds us to cultivate gratitude rather than looking outside ourselves for fulfillment.
Brahmacharya (Moderation): Traditionally linked to celibacy, Brahmacharya is about using our energy wisely and practicing self-restraint. It teaches us to find balance—whether that’s in how we work, eat, consume media, or engage in relationships—so that we don’t burn ourselves out chasing temporary pleasures.
Aparigraha (Non-attachment): This Yama encourages us to release the constant need for more—whether it’s material things, status, or control. Aparigraha teaches contentment, reminding us that true fulfillment isn’t in what we accumulate, but in how we experience the present moment.
A Few Questions to Sit With
Rather than just reading about these concepts, I’ve found it’s helpful to actually explore them in my own life. Here are a few prompts to reflect on or journal about:
Ahimsa: Where am I being hard on myself? How can I offer more kindness?
Satya: Is there a truth I’ve been avoiding? What would happen if I faced it?
Asteya: Am I giving as much as I take in my relationships?
Brahmacharya: Where do I tend to overdo it? Where do I hold back?
Aparigraha: What’s something I can release my grip on?
Join Me for Sutra School on February 8
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me for Sutra School on February 8 from 12:30-2 PM as we dive deeper into the Yamas—not as abstract concepts, but as real, practical tools for navigating life.
This is a great opportunity to explore these principles in community, share insights, and see how they can shape the way we move through the world. If you’ve ever been curious about yoga beyond the poses, this is the perfect place to start.
I hope to see you there!