From the Yoga Mat to Real Life: How Yogic Principles Apply to our Everyday

Yoga in the West is often linked with its physical component, asana, a series of poses meant to move the energy (prana) through the body and allow for calmness of the mind. However, often we forget that there are 10 fundamental principles where the true essence of yoga lies. Such principles, called Yamas and Niyamas, provide accurate guidance for our life, helping us to purify our energy through our way of Being and acting in the world.

Living in a conscious community in Greece has illuminated this truth for me. Here, we strive to embody the teachings of yoga in every interaction, fostering a space where the principles of the Yamas and Niyamas become part of our daily lives.

My Journey: From Mat to Meaning

When I first embarked on my yoga journey in Padua, Italy, it was primarily about the physical aspect. Yet, as I deepened my practice and immersed myself in different cultures—from the serene landscapes of Thailand to the bustling streets of Berlin—I began to uncover the profound wisdom embedded in yogic texts. It wasn’t until my 200-hour teacher training in Karpathos, Greece, that I truly experienced how these ancient teachings could benefit not just my practice, but every aspect of my life.

Embracing Ahimsa: The Path to Kindness

One of the foundational principles I encountered was Ahimsa, or non-violence. In our community, we prioritize kindness and compassion, both toward ourselves and others. This principle encourages us to approach challenges with an open mind and with the knowing that they are just new opportunities for us to grow and learn. For instance, during moments of conflict, I remind myself to embody Ahimsa, allowing me to respond with understanding and trust, rather than react impulsively. This shift in mindset fosters harmony, whether in personal relationships or community interactions.

Cultivating Truthfulness through Satya

As I navigated my life and relationships, I discovered the significance of Satya, or truthfulness. Being honest with ourselves and those around us is crucial for building trust and connection. In our conscious community, we emphasize open communication, creating an environment where being honest and authentic is safe. This commitment to speaking, acting, living accurately helps us deepen our relationships with ourselves and others.

Finding Balance with Brahmacharya

Living in a community setting has also taught me the value of Brahmacharya, or moderation. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overindulge in various aspects of life—for me it often looked like too much sweets or nights out. By practicing moderation, I’ve learned to find balance in my commitments, ensuring I allocate time for self-care and reflection. This approach not only helps maintain boundaries, but also supports the collective energy of the community.

Letting Go: The Power of Aparigraha

Another transformative principle is Aparigraha, which invites us to practice non-attachment. In a community focused on growth, I’ve seen how letting go of material possessions and expectations can lead to profound freedom. I have left my apartment in Berlin and I let go of most of my furniture pieces and clothes, I came to Greece and started to live in a small, cute trailer. Whilst it has not always been easy, and often my mind has found reasons to complain or think of "how much better it would be if..", embracing this principle has helped me to release the grip of attachments and realise that we don't really need anything to be happy - just to feel safe, everything else is enough.

Connection, growth, and service have replaced that sense of accumulation and attachment to material possessions. This shift has allowed me to approach life with a lighter heart and an open mind.

Embracing Self-Care through Niyamas

The Niyamas offer further guidance on nurturing a positive relationship with ourselves. For instance, Saucha (purity) encourages us to cultivate a clean and healthy environment, both physically and mentally. In the community, we prioritize cleanliness and mindfulness in our surroundings, creating a space that promotes clarity and peace for everyone. This commitment to purity extends to our thoughts, where we strive to bring to the light the challenging thoughts in order for them to lose power over our minds.

Additionally, Santosha, or contentment, reminds us to find joy in the present moment. In a society that often pushes us to chase more, embracing Santosha has been a game-changer. It teaches us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, whether it’s a shared meal with community members or the beauty of nature surrounding us. This principle fosters gratitude and helps us approach daily challenges with a sense of ease.

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Integrating Yoga Principles into Everyday Life

So, how can you weave these yogic principles into your own life? Here are a few practical ways to start:

• Sit in Meditation: Begin your day with a few minutes of meditation. Reflect on the Yamas and Niyamas, or Gratitude, and set your intention for the day. This is where your energy will flow. Remember you are a powerful creator of your reality.

• Truthful Communication: Create a safe space for honest conversations with family and friends. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your interactions, allowing deeper connections to flourish.

• Right Effort: Evaluate your daily routine and identify areas where you can practice discipline and where to "cut yourself some slack". Be moderate. This could mean finding a balance between setting boundaries, taking breaks for self-care, and at the same time being disciplined and mindful of 'old' habits.

Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation

The principles of the Yamas and Niyamas offer a profound framework for navigating life’s challenges and are the first 2 steps of Patanjali's Eightfold Path in Yoga. By integrating these teachings into our everyday experiences, we cultivate a sense of purpose and connection and purify our energy.

As I continue to learn and grow within the conscious community in Greece, I am reminded that the journey of transformation is ongoing, filled with opportunities to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Embrace these principles as guiding lights on your path, and watch how they can slowly illuminate your life. It’s not just about practicing Asana: it’s about living Yoga (Union) in your every day.

I hope this article inspired you! For more content of this type or if you'd like to know more about my work contact me at vittoriafilippi.coaching@gmail.com or follow me on Instagram (@goldenseedhealing) 💜