With this phrase, the ancient Indian philosopher Patanjali begins the Yoga Sutra, the book that remains the oldest Yoga textbook. What Patanjali means is that with Yoga we try to calm the waves of the mind, that is, the thoughts. Yoga aims at self-discipline, spiritual clarity, strengthening the body and sharpness of mind.
The Yoga Sutra contains the many aphorisms of the sage Patanjali including the Eight Limbs of Yoga Path, and the Yamas and Niyamas laid out in the first two limbs. Modern yogis can find just as much meaning in these ancient words as those who practiced them thousands years ago. Yamas & Niyamas are about respect, simplicity, self-knowledge, and living a meaningful and virtuous life. These are tools that can extend a purely physical yoga practice to a higher level yoga that will ultimately become part of our daily life.
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Path provides a concentrated set of instructions known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga:
Yamas (ethical principles)
Niyamas (rules of conduct)
Asanas (physical postures)
Pranayamas (breathing techniques)
Pratyahara (emotion control)
Dharana (mind control)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (identification with absolute consciousness).
Yamas (Peace with the World) – Niyamas (Peace with Yourself)
The journey begins with the first two limps which gives us directions for personal and virtuous behavior. Through Yamas & Niyamas the Yoga Sutra Teaches Us Morals and Ethics.
Moral barriers (Yamas) are about controlling our actions, thoughts, and feelings.
They encourage
Non-violence (Ahimsa)
Honesty (Satya)
Non Stealing (Asteya)
Moderation (Brahmacharya)
Non-ownership (Aparigraha)
In Sanskrit, Niyamas means moral observance or positive duties.
NIyamas rules of conduct are not just about Yoga practice, they are about self-discipline in our life.
We achieve this through these 5 virtues
Purity (Saucha)
Simplicity (Santosha)
Self-Study (Swadhyyaya)
Devotion (Tapas)
Surrender (Ishvara Pranidhana).
A steady, calm mind requires a healthy and strong body. Through the aligned conscious postures (Asanes), the body becomes stronger and improve its flexibility.
In combination with the regulation of the breath cycle through pranayamas, the yogi achieves spiritual calm and self-control. The ultimate aim is controlling emotions (Pratyahara) and concentration (Dharana).
The final stage of the Ashtanga Path is meditation (Dhyana) which prepares the body for a higher state called Samadhi (absolute consciousness).
As we follow the Eight Limbs of Yoga, we can reach the freedom and enlightenment of Samadhi, the realization of our spiritual practices.
With The Yoga Sutras, Patanjali introduces a systematic path to regain Higher Consciousness. Yogis named this Raja Yoga or the Royal Path, a journey of techniques and lifestyle guidelines to awaken the mind to its true Self.
Within Samadhi we can achieve a state of freedom, liberation, ecstasy, and enlightenment — the realization of all our spiritual practices.
Some useful tips on how to make Meditation and Yoga a part of your daily routine.
Meditation and yoga are almost as old as human but they have been changed a lot over the years. Once upon a time, there was no physical exercise at yoga practice. Yoga was a mental practice with meditation techniques, which helped ancient Indian cultures to gain self-awareness and balance.
It is well know that yoga is not just breathing and exercise. The hardest part of yoga is meditation.
Breath, Postures, Asanas and Mantras, are there to help us control our brain. To reach consciousness, self-knowledge and finally enlightenment.
Meditation will change the way we see, think and feel everything around us. Even 10 minutes daily are enough to give us injections of calm, awareness and clear thinking into our lives.
In the beginning, the first thing that will surprise us is the excessive noise of the mind. We should not try to stop thoughts. We accept this situation and observe what is happening.
With daily practice, we slowly reach that point where calm and stillness come. Then we are ready to apply in our daily lives the same technique of detached observation.
Although meditation is a spiritual practice, according to recent scientific researches, it also has many psychosomatic benefits.
Specifically, meditation:
Lower blood pressure.
Increase concentration and calmness and help us to deal anxiety attacks.
Allow us to reach a deeper level of relaxation.
Help us deal with depression, insomnia and headaches.
Strengthen the immune system by increasing the activity of the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Find a specific hour daily that you will have peace of mind
In the beginning, it is difficult to stop the noise of the mind, especially if you have external distractions. Sit back and relax.
Focus on your breath.
A good way to keep your thoughts away is to focus all your attention on your breath. Keep your mind to the rhythm and the depth of your breath, without forcing her to go deeper.
Don’t be disappointed.
Probably, the first time you will not be able to concentrate, get bored, and maybe disappointed. This is perfectly normal. Everyone who practices meditation has faced it.
Put meditation on your daily routine
It is not necessary to practice for hours, but it is important to do it regularly. With regular repetition, evolution and improvement will come soon. Put meditation into your schedule and don’t neglect it.
Yoga and meditation can help you reach the absolute balance of mind, soul and body, slowly but steadily.
Info: Michalis Doumpakis, Yoga instructor 200h (YAI), teaches yoga at @febyogaterre studio
Body is my first Prop, the famous teacher of Hatha Yoga, BKS Iyengar said.
Yoga is for all. I designed props so that all can benefit from it.
Body is my first prop.
B.K.S Iyengar
What Iyengar, Guru of Yoga meant was that the Body is the first prop to reach the soul that resides within.
He separately emphasized that just like you keep the temple or any place of worship clean, it is your duty to keep the body clean while your soul resides in it.
The system of this spiritual Indian teacher is known as the Iyengar Yoga Tradition.
His method is a type of Ashtanga yoga focusing on the correct alignment and precision of the body.
To achieve it he used straps, blocks, blankets and other objects as aids to achieving the correct postures.
In his practice, Guru engineered a number of props to help students who had limitations to their body or suffered from various chronic ailments. With his method enable them to achieve certain Hatha Yoga postures.
As he said: Yoga teaches us to cure what cannot be endured and endure what cannot be cured.
How is Iyengar different from other types of yoga
Iyengar Yoga is focusing on the structural alignment of the physical body through the practice of asanas.
It differs from other styles of yoga in three ways: precision, sequence and use of props.
Precision is sought in body alignment in every asana.
The sequences in which asanas are practiced is considered important in achieving the desired result.
Iyengar Yoga led the use of props, designing suitable means to assist practitioners.
Yoga blocks or bricks in Iyengar Yoga Tradition
A yoga block or brick is one of the most popular yoga props Iyengar used.
Yoga props were used as tools to support the body to allow a deeper expression of a yoga pose’s alignment.
They are often used as an extension of one’s hands, but are also used to support the back, head and hips, and to deepen awareness of alignment.
Υoga blocks can be helpful for all yogis, not just beginners. They can help stabilize and add height in standing and balancing poses. They are also ideal for adding lift or grounding, that’s why blocs are recommended to new students and those experiencing injury or other physical limitations.
In addition, more advanced practitioners can utilize props to safely learn new challenging poses.
These brick-shaped props are the most popular among the yoga accessories because you can never “outgrow” them.
Yoga blocks help progress your practice and provide confidence and assistance when exploring new poses and deeper angles.
Yoga blocks or bricks can be used in many different ways and they can add a lot of benefits to your yoga practice.
You can use the blocks to:
bring the floor closer to you for support
increase your balance
give you confidence while exploring new pose variations, and more!
Yoga blocks, like yoga mats, come in a variety of materials and sizes. Each type provides its unique benefit and purpose.
Next time you take a class at a yoga studio and see a variety of blocks, try them out so you can learn which one is suitable for your practice!
Yoga straps or yoga belts in Iyengar Yoga Tradition
Another useful prop for Iyengar yoga style is what we call yoga strap or yoga belt.
Yoga straps are suitable for extending and deepening reach in yoga postures and nowadays they are using in most styles of yoga classes.
Mainly used to extend and lengthen reach, there are countless ways to use a yoga belt to enhance your yoga postures.
Yoga straps help you achieve deep stretching without the risk of injury or pulling any muscles and help you maintain full range of motion.
If you are new to yoga or trying to master complex positions, a quality yoga belt can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
It helps you maintain proper form and spinal alignment while reducing the risk of overstretching and injury in your practice. Yoga straps are ideal to support you so you can hold your Yoga poses with confidence. They are also perfect for beginners to connect in basic poses.
It helps bridge the gap for those that don’t yet have the flexibility and will help you increase your flexibility over time.
Iyengar Yoga became an institution with the 1975 founding of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. A further major step was the founding of the first of many institutes abroad, the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Maida Vale London, in 1983.
Iyengar has found passionate supporters all around the world and thousands of people benefits from his method.
For me, yoga props are not only for the asana.
It should contribute to the position of the body which in turn can let the mind be calm and state of ‘chitta vritti nirodha’ be experienced.
Body is my first prop. The body is a prop to the soul.
B.K.S Iyengar
Find out our collection of Yoga Blocks, Belts and Yoga Mats to fully support your Yoga practice.
Are you a beginner to Yoga? A mat and your breath is all you need!
If you want to be part of the big yoga community here are some yoga tips that can help you to enjoy the fullest of your practice! Contrary to many people’s beliefs, Yoga is not a solitary process. Yoga is an activity that unites all people.
The top 10 yoga tips for every beginner yogi.
Listen to your body
Whether you know it or not, your body is speaking to you all day long, do not ignore this voice. Listen to it; your body is telling you on an ongoing basis what it needs to keep you healthy, comfortable, and happy. Our body, mind and spirit compose our whole being and we need to respect their needs equally.
Respect your limits
Do not push yourself to do anything that feels dangerous or wrong for you. Yoga is a practice based in Ahimsa (the 1st of the 10 Yamas and Niyamas in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali), the practice of non-harm. So be gentle and patience with yourself.
Find the perfect teacher for you
Finding a good yoga teacher is not an easy thing. Try to find the one that inspires you and fulfill your needs. Your idea of what makes a good teacher may be different from the person next to you in the yoga class, so trust your instinct.
Accept you’re a beginner
If you just started your yoga practice, tell your instructor that you are a new one. It is good to remember that being a beginner is okay. If you are still confused about the postures remember that you must give time to yourself.
Go slowly
Be patient for the first few weeks of practice, and choose classes that are a little slower so you can get to grips with alignment and movements on the mat.
Breathe
It might seem curious to hear, but most of us forget to breathe. If you find yourself in a challenging balancing posture, remind yourself to breathe! When we breath we send a message to the body and brain that everything is okay, and this helps to reduce stress levels.
Focus on you and do not compare yourself with others
Remember that yoga is for everybody and Every Body. Focus on you and look inwards to your own progress. We are all different and everyone comes to yoga for a different reason. Forget about the pictures of yoga you may have seen before; your yoga practice is about you.
Wear comfort clothes.
When attending a yoga class, ensure that your clothes are practical, comfortable and made of cotton or other natural fibers. You will be moving, stretching and twisting lot of times during your practice. That means that your yoga clothes should allow you to move freely and easily in all directions.
When you go to a yoga studio, make sure you bring your own things.
Keep your yoga mat & equipment in a good condition, wiping them carefully after each session. Your personal mat reconnects you to practice and can lead you spontaneously to a state of calm. Even more, you can take it everywhere you go!
Keep the benefits of yoga beyond the mat
A yoga practice is not just a physical exercise we can only do on the mat – it is a life-long process. Transfer the benefits of yoga, such as self-confidence, mindfulness, strength and presence to everyday life. Try to live yoga off the mat!
As some of you have already noticed and some will soon discover, the path of yoga is full of surprises. At the beginning, we feel stronger and healthier physically, but if we exercise regularly, the changes begin to occur at deeper levels.
Niyamas Yoga is committed to making every effort to choose your ideal yoga mat, your Soulmate Yoga Mat, which will accompany your practice for many years to come.
For daily informations, yoga tips and advice find us on social media and follow us.
I’ve been to Athens a handful of times and each time I visit I discover a new gem. In this Yogis guide to Athens post, I’ll be sharing my favorite yoga shops, Athens yoga studios among favorite wine bars, sights to see and places to shop.
Where to Buy Yoga Pants and Yoga Mats in Athens
Yoga students and yoga teachers… if you managed to lose or forget your yoga mat, block, incense or mala beads head over to Simply Green. Simply Green is actually an online shop, BUT they do open their doors Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. They carry great brands… think Manduka and Jade, they have plenty of travel mats in all colors, and tons of other bits and bobs you may have forgotten at home (like a refillable water bottle, yoga towel, mat cleaner, etc.). It’s amazing and it’s located pretty centrally, so it’s a win-win! Location: Simply Green 73 Ermou Str. Monastiraki.
If your yoga pants have blown away then check out the Nike store at 1 Ermou, this is probably your best bet for finding a variety of suitable leggings. Simply Green has a few leggings styles as well. Athens Yoga on Louizis Riankour 65, would be a bit of an expedition to get to, but if you’re in a bind or feeling adventurous you could head out to their location. There are also two H&M stores on Ermou. H&M stores in the states typically have fitness wear… just check that your leggings are opaque!
Niyamas Yoga Mat would be another option for picking up a yoga mat. Their mats are known for being nice and sturdy. They’re a local brand and they’re located a little north of the city center on Zinonos 51 Str., in Peristeri.
Yogis guide to Athens – The Best Yoga Studios
If you’re arriving in Athens a few days before your yoga retreat you may be seeking out a yoga studio in Athens to get moving and breathing after sitting on a plane for a dozen hours.
There are a surprisingly large number of yoga studios in Athens. Here are a few to check out:
Abhaya Yoga offers classes in English. At the moment, they have the following types of classes on their schedule: Bhakti, Anusara, Abhaya hatha, Alignment based yoga and Yin-Yang. Check out their website for their current schedule and pricing www.nysystudios.gr or give them a call +30 210 3232004. Location: Aiolou 43
Anahatashuddi Yoga Studio is a little further away from the center, but it’s gorgeous and well worth the effort. They offer floor yoga, aerial yoga and pilates in Peristeri. Reach out to Eva via email at eva@anahatashuddhi.com or give them a call at +30 210 5744162 or +30 694 6941126. Location: Emiliou Veaki 36
Swaha Yoga Kallisperi has super friendly staff and a large range of class offerings, including: ballet, pilates, aerial, and floor yoga. Check out their site www.swaha.gr or shoot them an email at om@swaha.gr Their phone number is +30 210 9229251. Location: Kallisperi 11
Where to Eat: Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic and Sustainable Restaurants in Athens
Okay, there are loads of great places to eat in Athens, but when you’ve had enough of the meat, cheese, bread combo give these restaurants a try.
Avocado
So Amazing!!! Loads of delicious vegetarian meals from falafel, to crispy tofu to veggie burgers. This restaurant has a surprisingly large menu. They even have a few gluten-free and vegan options — which let’s be honest… Greece is not super friendly to vegans… not that the Greeks are mean, because they’re definitely not, but because the options for vegan food are seriously lacking. Definitely check out Avocado for your veggie and smoothie fix. It’s one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Athens. Location: Nikis 30, Syntagma.
Indian Haveli
I might be biased. I love Indian food and it is one of my comfort foods. AND there are usually plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, which I love. Indian Haveli is conveniently located near Syntagma Square (2 minutes from the Acropolis metro) and it’s affordably priced.
Nice n Easy
An organic bistro with locally sourced Greek food ie. loads of organic produce, fresh pasta and sustainably sourced meats. Nice n Easy is worth a visit. I would definitely recommend a reservation. This restaurant has a few other locations out on the islands, so if you can’t get in in Athens, check out one of the island locations (if that’s where you’re headed). Location: Omirou 60, Athens
Seycheles
This may be the best meal I have had in Athens. Seycheles’ menu has lots of small-ish plates and a handful of entree style plates and they’re all delicious. I recommend the octopus, the tomato fritters and the smoked eggplant! Go with a friend so you can try more things! If you want to eat during prime time definitely make a reservation. The restaurant is out of the tourist zone in an up and coming, hipster-ish neighborhood called Metaxourgeio. Address: 49 Kerameikou street
Athens National Gardens
Yogis Guide – Free Things To Do in Athens
Watch the changing of the guards at the Parliament building. The changing of the guards happens every hour on the hour. On Sundays there is an even more elaborate changing of the guards. On our first trip to Athens we stumbled upon the changing of the guards. It’s cool. It’s free. And you can stand in the shade while you watch.
Have a Picnic in the National Garden. The National Garden is massive and beautifully landscaped. Stop by a market on your way and grab a few snacks and maybe a bottle of wine (I have no idea if you can drink wine in Athens’ parks — might be worth looking into).
Check out Anafiotika. Anafiotika is a super cute mini neighborhood in the Plaka area. The architecture is reminiscent of the Cyclades… narrow lanes, white buildings, flowering bougainvilla, and sunbathing cats are the norm. To get there from the Acropolos metro station, take Vyronos St. pass Lycicrates monument and turn left to Thespidos St until you arrive at Stratonos. Turn right on Stratonos and walk straight ahead. You have arrived! There is also some nearby street art.
Wander through Athens’ Central Market. The Central Market is massive, impressively clean, and fairly priced. You’ll find meats, cheeses, veggies, and grocery items. Everything you need for a picnic in the park.
Wander the historic center. Start at Hadrian’s Arch, wander through Plaka, stop and aww at the archeological sites that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
The Acropolis
Yogis Guide – 7 Must See Sites to Athens
If you plan on visiting multiple sites you should buy the multi-site ticket. The ticket to the Acropolis only is 20 euros. The multi-site ticket is 30 euros… and I would take a wild guess that you’ll be visiting at least one or two more sites. Don’t bother booking ahead, just go early in the day before the tour buses show up. The multi-site pass is valid at the following sites: Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of the Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman Agora of Athens, South Slope of Acropolis.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis Museum
National Archeological Museum
Varvakeios Central Market
Ancient Agora
Hadrian’s Arch
Temple of Zeus
See here more Yogis Guide to Athens tips and meet Autumn Adams, the founder of Ambuja Yoga
