A map of 8 steps to Divine.

Once Maharajji told Ram Dass that no one truly practices yoga in the West. Ram Dass was initially suprised, but then realised that practicing asanas doesn’t mean you are practicing yoga to the fullest extent. Asanas are only the 3rd step of the 8 limbs of yoga and most of us are not aware of the first 2 steps, which are yamas and niyamas. These initial 2 steps are fundamental moral codes, with yamas being proper ethics with the world and niyamas the codes of respectful intentions to oneself. So then we practice asanas and then pranayama, prathyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.. Patanjali gave us a map of 8 steps to the Divine. It is very difficult, challenging and frustrating for the mind to practice yoga if we skip the first steps and jump into asanas. The matrix of the world will constantly push us off the path of light and love. One day we might push ourselves too much and then we have broken the first yama – ahimsa, the code of non-harm and we can’t practice yoga because we are too tired. Maybe we ate too much or drank too much and so we break the the 5th yama – Aparigraha – take only what you need, and again we skip yoga with another excuse. We start criticising ourselves for missing yoga practice, that we are not flexible or strong enough, we break the second niyama – santosa, inner contentment no matter what. When We finally put ourselves together and start to practice at least once a month, well, we still keep breaking the 3rd niyamas – tapas, self-discipline where yoga is practiced at least 3 to 6 times a week. To learn to dance we have to practice. To practice yoga we have to live yoga. It requires morals and ethics, physical asanas, pranayama (breath work), prathyahara (self observation) , dharana (concentration) , dhyana (meditation) and then we reach Samadhi. The practice of yoga is deeply sacred. It’s a gift to humanity for a happy, blissful, healthy, glorious life. Let’s keep practicing together. As always, lots of love and light.

Yoga classes in Portals Nous Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Private classes 662410119

P. S.

My Amores, a gentle reminder. Yoga generates a sacred space and is different from a gym environment. If you are late (things can happen) please be so kind and do not disturb the class especially during the initial prayer or the finishing prayer. Take a deep breath, calm down and enter or leave after the prayer. Please also leave your phone on silent mode far away from you. We are creating a serene place for all of us. Allow yourself to feel it without any disturbance from foreign energies. Please also be mindful not to disturb yourself and others with unnecessary movements and noise. Remember we are all creating a peaceful and clear state of mind. An unlimited student pass is valid for a month and costs 100 euros. This can be used 5 times a week and is not transferable. A limited student pass of 8 classes costs 120 euros and is valid for 2 months and may be shared with friends and family, but is not for resale. Practice. Focus. Surrender. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Angela

Photo credit Nata Lia Photography