I always like to give credit to where I find things I post, but I don't remember where I found the following. I really like how concise and "right on" it describes the eight limbs.
Yama: The yamas teach us to approach practice with honesty, generosity and the spirit of
non-harming
Niyama The niyamas teach us about contentment, self-study, and that our practice is not just
about ourselves, that it is for the benefit of all beings.
Asana The sutras say, "the physical posture should be steady and comfortable."
Pranayama Breathing practices show us how to practice with the continuity of our breath in
mind, so that we don't move beyond the limits of our body's ability to breathe freely.
Pratyahara Pratyahara teaches us how not to become attached to the pleasant or unpleasant
sensations we feel in practice.
Dharana Dharana steadies the mind so that we can see more clearly what is happening in
our bodies as we practice.
Dhyana Dhyana refines our awareness of the experiences of each passing moment.
Samadhi Gives us a taste of the settling of the mind into silence, the true definition of yoga.
And a quote to really sum up the eight limbs by Mary Ann Avalone-O'Gorman
"You bring your whole life to the mat. Your wisdom. Your strength. Your failures. Your attitude about all these things. Use what serves you. Observe what does not. Place it gently to the side. That act, in itself, is a yogic practice. Recognize all the traits you bring to all that you do. Allow your yoga practice to be exactly that: a practice of and for your whole life."
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