Yoga: A Fresh Look at Bending, Breathing, and Trying Not to Fall Over (The Yamas Edition)

When most people think of yoga, they imagine peaceful stretches, effortless balance, and maybe a bit of chanting. But if you’ve ever tried a class, you know that yoga often involves a lot of wobbling, grunting, and thinking, “Wait, my leg is supposed to go where?”

Let’s take a fresh (and fun) look at the Yamas- the ethical principles of yoga that guide how we move through life and, sometimes, through awkward poses.

Person in a yoga pose, arms extended forward on a mat, embracing relaxation and mindfulness during a restorative yoga session.

1. Ahimsa – Non-Violence (AKA: Be Kind to Yourself)

Ahimsa is one of the core Yamas and it’s all about being gentle- not just to others but to yourself. So, when your yoga teacher says, “Reach for your toes,” and your body responds with, “Nope,” listen to your body! Yoga isn’t about forcing yourself into impossible shapes - it’s about doing what feels right for you. And sometimes, what feels right is simply lying down and not pulling a muscle!

2. Satya – Truthfulness (AKA: Admit You Need a Break)

Satya, another Yama, is about truthfulness. In yoga, that means being honest with yourself. If you need a break during class, it’s perfectly okay to drop into child’s pose- or, as we like to call it, the “I’m just going to lie here and pretend this is part of the plan” pose. Everyone needs a breather now and then, and Satya is about acknowledging that truth.

3. Asteya – Non-Stealing (AKA: Don’t Steal Your Neighbour’s Mat Space)

Asteya is the Yama of non-stealing. In a yoga class, this might mean respecting the boundaries - both physically (keep your limbs in your own space!) and mentally. Don’t steal glances at your neighbour to compare poses. Yoga is about your journey, not theirs (even if their crow pose looks suspiciously perfect).

4. Brahmacharya – Moderation (AKA: Stop Overdoing It)

Brahmacharya is all about moderation, and this Yama reminds us to find balance - not just on the mat but in our approach. You don’t have to go full throttle every class or rush to master that headstand. Sometimes the best progress comes from slowing down. And, let’s be real, your muscles will appreciate it when you don’t try to be a superhero in every session.

5. Aparigraha – Non-Attachment (AKA: Let Go of the Idea That You Need to Be Perfect)

Aparigraha, the Yama of non-attachment, encourages us to let go of expectations. It’s okay if your tree pose looks more like a swaying branch or if your warrior three has you tipping over like a wind-blown umbrella. Yoga is about progress, not perfection. The more you let go of needing to be perfect, the more you can enjoy the wobbles and falls - they’re part of the fun.

A Fresh Take on Yoga (Thanks to the Yamas)

At the end of the day, yoga is a practice, not a performance. The Yamas remind us to be kind to ourselves, stay truthful, and embrace the journey. If you wobble, laugh it off. If you fall, get back up. And if you find yourself in a tangled mess on your mat, just remember - you’re not alone. We’ve all been there!

So, next time you’re on the mat, take a deep breath, let go of expectations, and remember: you’re living the principles of the Yamas just by showing up and doing your best.

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