What is Yoga?

The word Yoga derives from the Sankrit root word ‘yuj‘ which means ‘to yoke‘ or ‘union‘. There are countless definitions out there of what Yoga is. Yoga Alliance, the largest nonprofit organization supporting Yoga, describes Yoga as “a comprehensive system for wellbeing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.” Most people may be familiar with some physical postures, certain breathing techniques, or meditation. Each of these are elements of the vastness that is Yoga. Some consider Yoga a lifestyle including practical wisdom and applications for every day life. While others look beyond the layers of the 3D world we experience in our everyday life, and embody Yoga as a philosophy for the complex layers of our human experience as spiritual beings.

Below are outlined some important aspects of Yoga in a digestible format: