Eight Limbs of Yoga: ISHVARA PRANIDHANA

As shared in my previous post, the Niyamas represent our inner spiritual practices, made up of five Niyamas: Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, & Ishvara Pranidhana. 
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 ♥️Ishvara Pranidhana ♥️ ⁠
(Devotion)⁠
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What does devotion mean to you?
✨Feel into this.
✨Perhaps journal.
✨Notice what arises.

As I reflect on devotion it brings up words like dedication, purpose, passion, and commitment.
By leaning into devotion, we learn to stay connected to compassion

I'll unpack this...
The practice of devotion can lead us to our highest good. When we are unwell, we do what is needed to feel well again... we rest, seek support, meditate, pray, eat well, etc. Then, once we are well, it is human nature to to leave/forget/toss aside the practices that helped us feel well! This is why sick days don't work. We need to devote ourselves to creating the space we need in order to stay well... when we do, we naturally shine our light into the world 💫 

I am grateful for one of my teachers, Susanna Barkataki, who shares another great way to practice devotion is to study sacred texts. I also see devotion happening in the communities that feed our spirits, that support us in looking deeper.

What does devotion mean to you?
✨Feel into this.
✨Perhaps journal.
✨Notice what arises.
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In the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, together we learn the power of devotion to mind-body-spirit-heart integration as the key to wellness, staying regulated in the face of difficulty, and honouring all that is. ⁠
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We would love to hear your reflections, if you are called to share!⁠
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♥️ Dr. Melissa Jay