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Studying the Eight Limbs of Yoga

2/17/2021

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Tân’si, Hello, Welcome!

I'm Dr. Melissa Jay, an Indigenous psychologist, assistant professor, and trauma-informed yoga teachers. It is a joy & privilege to integrate ancient wisdom traditions with modern psychology theory & concepts. 


On our Canmore Counselling Instagram and Facebook, I led a 2.5 month study dedicated to the Eight Limbs of Yoga. I am now adding them here, for those who would a place to explore and discuss futher! Thank you for being here. 

*You may wish to start by connecting with your breath*
Nice big inhale

Nice big exhale
 Notice what you notice, mind-body-spirit-heart. ​

Most of us come to yoga through asana (postures) which is why we often hear yoga referred to as a physical practice or workout, a colonized view of the ancient tradition of yoga. Within Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, an ancient text, Patañjali shared the eight limb path. The Eight Limbs of Yoga offer us insights and opportunity for continual growth... as we offer ourselves time and space to slow down and connect with each limb, we deepen our connection with ourselves and others by welcoming a safer space to grow. The eight limb path invites us to walk our talk.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga: 
1. Yamas (the outer ethical codes) ⁠
  • Ahimsa (Kindness/Non-Harming)
  • Satya (Truth/Deep Listening)
  • Asteya (Non-stealing/Generosity)
  • Brahmacharya (Care for Others)
  • Aparigaha (Impermanance/Letting Go)
2. Niyamas (the the inner, personal ethical practices) ⁠
  • Saucha
  • Santosha
  • Tapas
  • Svadhyaya
  • Ishvara Pranidhana
3. Asana (postures) ⁠
4. Pranayama (breath control) ⁠
5. Pratyahara (withdraw of senses)⁠
6. Dharana (Mindfulness) ⁠
7. Dhyana (Meditation) ⁠
8. Samadhi (Unity)⁠⁠
⁠
As we learn to live yoga, off the mat, we embrace opportunities to notice how we are being, moment-to-moment. As we honour the roots of yoga, we uncover how the practice of yoga supports us to move through difficulty with compassion and resilience. As we continue practicing mind-body-spirit-heart integration, we naturally integrate our practice into everything. 

The Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School is dedicated to amplifying the roots of yoga and these teachings are an interagal part of our trainings. Yoga School.
I created this yoga school to support people on their journey, as helpers. Together with an incredible faculty, we offer 200-Hour trauma-informed yoga psychology teacher training (four-month or intensive) as well as a 300-Hour advanced trauma-informed yoga psychology teacher training, as well as ongoing yoga psychology workshops. 

Self-reflective prompt:
How do you support yourself in connecting mind-body-spirit-heart?

With love,
 Dr. Melissa Jay

I am grateful to be continuing to learn from Susanna Barkataki about honouring the roots of yoga. Thank you for your teachings, Susanna.
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    Dr. Melissa Jay

    Welcome!

    This blog is a place to share a bit about my work which is dedicated to exploring the intersections between ancient Indigenous & yogic wisdom traditions and modern psychological theory & concepts.

    Let's nerd out, together!

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Dr. Melissa Jay is an Indigenous, Nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Canmore Counselling is located Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi (translated from Îyârhe Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”), colonially known as Canmore. The physical location of Canmore Counselling & the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology is in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which is considered Treaty 7 land and home of Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III, and the traditional territory of the Îyârhe Nakoda, including the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley First Nations, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations. As an act of reconciliation and commitment to decolonization, we are committed to the TRC's Calls to Action.

At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities. 


We believe wholeheartedly that community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism are inherent to trauma-informed care. Thank you for being here. ​
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  • Home.
  • Services & Team.
    • Fairmont.
    • Rimrock.
    • Counselling.
    • Ayurvedic Nutrition.
    • Workshops.
  • HBA
  • Yoga School.
    • Yoga Therapy. >
      • Yoga School Faculty.
      • Yoga Therapy Tuition.
      • Yoga School Courses.
    • 200-Hour YTT
    • 300-Hour Certification
    • Kids & Teens Certification
    • Prenatal Certification
    • YTT FAQ
    • Alumni Testimonials.
  • Book Now.
  • Blog.
  • Covid-19.
  • CE.
  • Practice.
  • Counselling.