The Quality of a yogi

“It does not have to be dramatic grandiose displays of generosity but rather simple endeavors to share joy and love in small ways. Emulating patience when confronted with stress. Expressing understanding to those with differing views of our own. Finding ways to share random acts of kindness without expectation for acknowledgment or reward. We are blessed to have this amazing tool of yoga in our life. If a Yogi is one who leaves a place just a little nicer than when they arrived then we should all strive to one day become a Yogi.”

— David Swenson

Eight Limbs of Yoga

YAMAS

5 Social Practices
Ahimsa – non-violence
Satya – truthfulness
Asteya – non-stealing
Brahmacharya – moderation
Aparigraha – non-possessiveness
Niyamas

5 Personal Practices
Saucha – purity body / mind
Santosha – contentment
Tapas – self-discipline
Swadyaya – self-study
Iswara-pranidhana – surrender
Asana

Postures
Connecting positions in the body to the mind and spirit
Pranayama

Mindful Breathing
Control of life energy to calm the mind
Prathyahara

Control of senses
Inner awareness
Withdrawl of senses
Dharana

Concentration
One pointedness of mind
Dhyana

Meditation
Dropping efforts and letting go
Samadhi

Pure Bliss
Constant complete harmony with the self and universe