#8limbpath

🙏 ✨It is a common misconception that yoga is an exercise practice. In reality, it is an 8 step process towards reaching spiritual enlightenment and bliss in life. The first step includes 5 elements which refer to self-regulating behaviors that involve our interactions with other people and the world at large. ✨ Yama. The 5 elements of yama highlight the external dimension of reaching spiritual enlightenment. The fourth yama is brahmacharya (or brahmacarya): conservation of vital energy. Many scriptures and translations will tell you about how brahmacharya relates to not expelling our energy through sexual desires, thoughts, or actions. Our bodily fluids are a representation of our energy. So, if we tend to release them carelessly, we are depleting our sources. But, there are so many other ways that we can waste our energy. For example, we can waste precious energy just by worrying. How much of your time do you waste on worrying about something that hasn't happened yet, and probably will not happen? How many times have you wasted energy pretending to be someone you are not? How much time is used thinking negative thoughts about yourself? How much do you spend on thoughts that are just not worth your time? As you can see, there is more than one way to lose energy. What you think, you attract. Brahmacharya is about turning this wasted energy, this pent up energy, into creative energy, using it to fuel you in your goals, rather than to bring you into a loop of thoughts that are not going to lead you anywhere. So, find a way to unplug from these external desires and channel all of your energy within; use this energy to empower yourself and chase after your goals. Encourage the right use of energy; redirect it into a positive channel. Become aware of how you spend your energy daily. And remember, even spending time on social media is wasting your energy! 🙏 #namaskartoyou #brahmacharya #yogasutras #8limbpath #brahmacarya #energy #conserve #empower #focus #discipline #mindset #wellness #health #wellbeing #yoga #meditation #concentration #awareness https://www.instagram.com/p/BrBTqtJgGQV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1sd6s94d9rbtq

🙏 ✨It is a common misconception that yoga is an exercise practice. In reality, it is an 8 step process towards reaching spiritual enlightenment and bliss in life. The first step includes 5 elements which refer to self-regulating behaviors that involve our interactions with other people and the world at large. ✨ Yama. The 5 elements of yama highlight the external dimension of reaching spiritual enlightenment. The third yama is asteya: non-stealing towards all living things. Our minds may go straight to actual theft... But it is a bit more deeper than that. Remember, this step comes after satya, truthfulness, and ahimsa, non-violence. Asteya is about not taking from others, earning what you receive, and taking only what is given to you. Asteya reminds you not to overindulge and to be generous. When I was in India, my guru Rahulji gave a really great example. Imagine there is a cookie jar and there are two cookies left. Technically, you would not be stealing if you ate both, but you could save one for someone else because it would be the right thing to do. Also, if you give something to someone, you do so without the expectation of receiving something. Another way of stealing could be when you cut someone off when they speak; stealing their right to speak in that moment. Remember, with everything comes balance. You can give and give, but make sure there is a balance. Receiving is also a part of giving. It is a part of culture to be respectful by accepting gifts that have been given to you. It is all about respecting others and respecting yourself; do not allow others to steal from you, whichever way that may be, whether it may be stealing time, resources, or even your peace of mind.. and make sure you extend the same respect to others! 🙏 #namaskartoyou #yogasutras #asteya #yama #8limbpath #yoga #meditation #samadhi #respect #love #unity #peace #camelpose #ustrasana (at Palm Beach, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-dlX5g34k/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1i4f9c1tlftgo