Yoga-Unification of the Self

Yoga is an ancient holistic practice that is essentially a discipline to train the

consciousnesses ability to experience a perfect spiritual level of insight and
tranquility (i.e. enlightenment). Many lineages or forms of yoga exist, some relatively
contemporary in development (such as Forrest yoga, acroyoga, aerial yoga, anusara,
Bikram, Power yoga, Ananda etc.) and others centuries old (such as kundalini, the Raja
or king of all yogas and also the most ancient, ashtanga, Mysore, Iyengar, Hatha,Yin,
etc).
There are specific formulas and systems of practicing each individual form/style
of yoga. Many overlap, yet, some are unique to the development and
purpose of each individual form. Similar to acting on stage or for film/camera, there is
no component within any form of yoga that is without a reason or specificity for existing
(from length of time of an asana is being held, to a meditation length, physical
alignment, etc.) .
Each lineage of yoga also has a unique subculture, etiquette, as well as community
experience (the experience can vary from studio to studio, even of a similar
form/concept of yoga, such a flow/vinyasa studio to even the very structured Bikram
studios).
There are eight universal limbs of yoga which are comprised of the following:
Yamas: five things to abstain from (Universal Morality)
a) Non violence
b) Truth in the world and thought
c) Non stealing
d) Celibacy/monogamy
e) Non possessiveness
Niyama: five things to observe (Personal Observances)
a) Cleanliness of body and mind
b) Satisfaction/Contentment
c) Observance of body discipline/the discipline of our energy
d) Celebration of the spiritual/celebrating god in all things
e) Study of Vedic scriptures to know god and thyself/soul
Asanas: (Body Postures), also known as Kriyas within some lineages
a) Physical posture utilizing western and Ayurvedic anatomy to achieve
specific results based on that specific style/form of yoga
b) Savasana is a deep relaxation that separates the physical limb of yoga
from other forms of physical activities (such as fitness), it allows the
integration within all of the systems of the body (neurological, circulatory,
etc. again all of the western as well as the Ayurvedic anatomical
components that the physical practice effects are included in this
integration and affected by all aspects of a yogic lifestyle/practice).
c) Mudras are specific hand positions utilized in meditations as well
asansas working with the meridians of the body to create specific effects
d) Mantras (or Naad yoga) are sanskrit words utilized either in internal or
external repetition
e) Eye focus (sometimes with the eyes opened other times closed) ,
various focal points ranging from the tip of the nose, the crown of the
head, the third eye, etc. Every component of yoga is designed for a
specific effect on a gland, system, etc.
Pranayama: (Breath Control) which is conducive to control of the mind
Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the mind from the senses (Control of the Senses)
Dharana: Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness
Dhyana: Study of meditation, meditation of the divine (devotion or Bhakti Yoga)
Samadhi: The crown of meditation, a higher level of concentration/meditation (Union with
the Divine)

Some see yoga as a fitness practice, most an entire lifestyle and/or spiritual path

(regardless of lineage). I myself have been an athlete my entire life (dabbling in team sports,

dance, gymnastics, running, experimenting with martial arts and movement based study within

my theatrical training, equestrian training, etc) and have practiced yoga since the age of 15.

There are many forms I have dabbled in, but my primary practice (daily) consists of

Kundalini, Bikram, Vinyasa, and hatha (I practice advanced asanas and I am considered an

advanced yogi). I love every form of yoga I have had the honor of practicing. I have

attended two yoga teacher trainings (I plan on completing more). I attend White tantric

meditation days at least once a year (with the kundalini lineage, a partner meditation lasting

one to three days and six to eight hours each of those days) and attend two annual yoga

retreats (one in New Mexico during the summer and the other in Florida during the winter,

both also with the Sikh/Kundalini lineage).

For myself (being raised devout Episcopalian) I utilize my advanced yogic practice

daily as part of my spiritual path. I abstain from alcohol, coffee, eating any animal products

beyond bee (and very occasional dairy such a ghee) I also find it helps me in my personal

development and all facets of life (including my PTSD, development as an actress, etc).

If I were a cake my main ingredients would include yoga, meditations, prayer, physical

activities/sports, acting, all of my creative outlets, my pets, fashion, friends, family, community,

serving the univers, my goals, expressing myself as much as possible and experiencing every

component of life as a form of art, my side interests (which include architecture, psychology,

etc.). As I have digressed in this paper, I wish to close with the clarification that yoga is

something that is very powerful. It has been coveted by generations and generations. It is

currently (and has been for a period of time) a fad, which I think is a great thing.

I believe anything that facilitates the personal development of every individual,

specifically things that are sustainable as well as healthy/holistic, becoming fashionable is

fabulous. Integrity can be maintained of popularized trends and in the popularization of such

things the exposure increased. No matter who the person is or what their specific

lifestyle/path/pursuits/etc are, I believe there is a yoga that would resonate for every human

and could potentially bring them to a level of connectedness (with the self, the world, their

goals, etc) that would be invaluable to their life experience.