What yoga is (and isn't)
Doing my best to accurately honour the history and traditions of yoga as a western practitioner...I am forever a student.
What is yoga?
There are so many ways to approach this question and I'm sure as many answers as there are people who practice yoga. Take a moment and consider what comes to mind for you in response to this question.
Did you think of postures? Fitness? Flexibility? Strength? Breathing techniques? Maybe sitting in meditation? Did you have an image of the mat in mind, a studio, a teacher, or your own practice? Spiritual aspects? How any of this impacts your life on and off the mat?
Consider the following descriptions and see how they fit for you and your yoga.
“Yoga is about clearing away whatever is in us that prevents our living in the most full and whole way. With yoga, we become aware of how and where we are restricted – in body, mind, and heart – and how gradually to open and release these blockages. As these blockages are cleared, our energy is freed. We start to feel more harmonious, more at one with ourselves. Our lives begin to flow – or we begin to flow more in our lives.” ~ Cybele Tomlinson
"Yoga is a way of moving into stillness in order to experience the truth of who you are. It is a way of learning to be centred in action so that you always have the clearest perspective on what's happening and are therefore able to respond most appropriately." ~ Yoga - The spirit and practice of moving into stillness by Erich Schiffmann, page 4
"The word yoga is classically translated as 'union.' It is a drawing together of heart, mind, and body that integrates all the parts of ourselves into a unified whole." ~ Hatha Yoga Illustraded by Martin Kirk, Brook Boone, and Daniel DiTuro, page xiv
"Yoga is the human quest for remembering our true nature, our deepest selves." ~ Hatha Yoga Illustraded by Martin Kirk, Brook Boone, and Daniel DiTuro, page 1
"Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah. The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga." ~ The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda, page 3
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline the 8 limbs of raja (royal) yoga which begin with ethical and spiritual observations and moving along the path to fully experience the benefits of yoga and to cultivate one's path to samadhi (bliss, oneness with the divine).
These 8 limbs are:
- yamas (to control, principles of ethical behaviour)
- niyamas (personal observances)
- asana (postures)
- pranayam (observation and control of breath)
- pratyahara (to draw the senses inward)
- dharana (focused concentration)
- dhyana (one in body-breath-mind)
- samadhi (bliss)
How does this fit with your yoga understanding and practice?
When I currently consider the question of what is yoga, or more specifically, what is yoga to me?, the first word that comes to mind is practice. I see it as a journey inwards with acceptance of what is found there knowing it will change. Every day, every moment, is different. We come to the mat to practice patience, compassion, understanding, presence, and more.
We learn to explore our personal edge, finding the challenge and the comfort in discomfort knowing that this is where we find growth. Learning when to lean in and push harder and when to pull back so that we don't end up in pain and injury.
Connecting with oneself, building skills that spill over into life off the mat. Finding the knowledge and wisdom within and living authentically from there. Yoga is more than what happens on the mat, in meditation, and when we focus and breathe, it becomes a lifestyle, an every moment practice.
Yoga in western culture often only includes the asana practice. Individuals, myself included, are often connected to yoga initially through asana as a form of fitness and developing flexibility. Depending on the studio or teacher, that may be all that is offered or they may begin to add the pranayam, meditation, and/or spiritual aspects.
I was introduced to small pieces of yoga beyond the asana in a few classes and connected with it so pursued more training to increase my own knowledge and understanding. I continue to explore with various teachers, books, and experiences as I am fascinated and appreciate the wealth of information that is available.
Here's to continuing the journey and developing our practice every day.
If you're interested in exploring with me check out yogawithforbsie.com
About the Creator
Forbsie
Forever student of life. I love to learn and am always up for exploring. I use breath and yoga to explore my inner world and get to know myself as deeply as I can. I use writing to share a glimpse of my world with you. I hope you enjoy it!
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts8 days ago in Longevity
The Return of the Aircraft Carrier Truman Is Being Seen as a Snub to the Navy in the War of the Future
The return of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman to active deployment has sparked debate far beyond naval circles. While some see it as a show of enduring American naval power, others interpret the move as a symbolic snub—particularly in the context of how modern warfare is rapidly evolving. In an era dominated by drones, cyber warfare, hypersonic missiles, and artificial intelligence, the decision to once again lean heavily on a traditional aircraft carrier has raised uncomfortable questions about whether the Navy is preparing for the wars of tomorrow or clinging to the strategies of yesterday. A Floating Symbol of 20th-Century Power For decades, aircraft carriers have been the ultimate symbol of U.S. military dominance. These massive floating airbases project power thousands of miles from American shores and allow the U.S. to strike almost anywhere in the world. The Truman, like other Nimitz-class carriers, represents this legacy—housing nearly 5,000 sailors, dozens of fighter jets, and unmatched logistical capability. However, critics argue that what once made carriers indispensable now makes them vulnerable. Their sheer size, cost, and visibility turn them into high-value targets in a battlefield increasingly defined by precision strikes and long-range weapons. The “War of the Future” Looks Very Different Modern conflict is no longer limited to sea, land, and air. Cyber attacks can cripple infrastructure without a single shot fired. Drones can swarm targets at a fraction of the cost of traditional aircraft. Hypersonic missiles can reach targets faster than current defenses can respond. In this context, sending a massive carrier strike group into contested waters can appear less like a strategic necessity and more like a risky gamble. Critics argue that the return of the Truman reflects an outdated mindset—one that prioritizes visible force projection over adaptability and technological evolution. A Snub to Naval Innovation? Many analysts and serving officers believe the Navy’s future lies in distributed lethality—smaller, more agile platforms networked together, harder to detect and cheaper to replace. Unmanned surface vessels, autonomous submarines, and land-based missile systems are increasingly viewed as the backbone of next-generation naval warfare. Against this backdrop, recommitting to a traditional carrier is seen by some as sidelining innovation. It sends a message that, despite years of discussion about transformation, the Navy still defaults to familiar tools when tensions rise. This perception has led to frustration among those advocating for faster modernization. They argue that resources devoted to maintaining and protecting carriers like the Truman could instead accelerate investment in emerging technologies that are more relevant to future conflicts. The Strategic Signal to Allies and Rivals Supporters of the decision counter that the Truman’s return is not about nostalgia—it’s about deterrence. Aircraft carriers remain powerful political tools. Their presence reassures allies, signals commitment, and demonstrates readiness in a way few other assets can. Yet even here, the message is mixed. To technologically advanced rivals, the deployment may signal predictability rather than strength. Adversaries have spent years developing strategies specifically designed to neutralize carriers, including anti-ship ballistic missiles and advanced surveillance systems. Cost Versus Capability The financial reality cannot be ignored. A single carrier strike group costs billions of dollars to build, maintain, and operate. In contrast, drone fleets and missile systems can be produced and deployed at a much lower cost, often with greater strategic flexibility. Critics argue that continuing to rely on carriers drains resources from areas where the Navy needs to grow most urgently. In a future conflict defined by speed, dispersion, and digital dominance, the cost-benefit equation of aircraft carriers looks increasingly questionable. Why the Carrier Still Matters—For Now Despite the criticism, aircraft carriers are not obsolete—yet. They remain unmatched in their ability to sustain prolonged air operations without relying on foreign bases. In regions where access is limited or politically sensitive, carriers still provide options no other platform can. The real issue, many experts say, is not the existence of carriers like the Truman, but over-reliance on them. Using them as one component of a broader, more flexible strategy may still make sense. Treating them as the centerpiece of future war planning may not. A Turning Point for Naval Strategy The return of the USS Harry S. Truman highlights a deeper tension within modern military thinking. It represents a crossroads between tradition and transformation, between proven power and emerging threats. Whether history views this moment as a wise assertion of strength or a missed opportunity for innovation will depend on what comes next. If the Navy pairs legacy platforms with bold technological change, the carrier’s return may be justified. If not, it risks becoming a powerful symbol—not of dominance, but of reluctance to adapt in a rapidly changing world.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 3 days ago in Longevity
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