Yogic Lifestyle

  Yogic Lifestyle

A yogic lifestyle is a holistic and intentional approach to living that extends far beyond the confines of a yoga class. The essence of a yogic lifestyle lies in seamlessly integrating yogic philosophies and yoga practices, such as daily asana practice, breathing exercises, and meditation, into the fabric of everyday life. It involves embracing a simple life, making healthy and sattvic food choices and incorporating the ethics of yoga into daily interactions.

This lifestyle promotes a clean and healthy body, a settled mind, and a compassionate heart. It encourages individuals to embark on a spiritual journey, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being.

Living a yogic lifestyle does not necessarily mean moving to an ashram or becoming a hermit in seclusion on a mountaintop. Rather, your lifestyle choices should align with the stage of yoga you are currently practicing. Embracing a Yogic Lifestyle can also be a gradual process, taking into consideration your current life circumstances.

  Simple Living

Embrace simplicity and work towards letting go of the incessant desire for more. Being mindful of what we bring into our lives, whether it be food, clothing, or any other material items, allows us to make conscious choices that align with our yogic values.

  Be Pure

Saucha, or cleanliness, is one of the foundational principles of yoga. To live like a yogi, it is crucial to cultivate purity in every aspect of our lives. Choose foods that align with a sattvic diet, and nourish your body with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Cultivate purity in your thoughts by practicing mindfulness, meditation, self-reflection and positive thinking. Create a clean and clutter-free living space that promotes a sense of calm and tranquility.

  Seva

As a yogi, it is essential to cultivate a spirit of service towards others. By serving others, we not only contribute to the well-being of those around us, but we also deepen our own spiritual growth. Selfless service, or seva, is a core principle of yoga philosophy that teaches us to transcend the needs and desires of the ego mind, and instead engage in acts of kindness and service, fostering a compassionate heart and a profound sense of compassion and empathy.

  Love

Love is the universal force that connects all beings. Infusing your interactions with a compassionate and loving energy not only uplifts others, but also creates a positive and harmonious energy around you. Spread love and kindness in every interaction, whether it’s with family, friends, strangers, or even yourself. Treat others with respect, empathy, and understanding, acknowledging the divine spark within every individual.

  Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a transformative practice that allows us to release negative emotions and move towards inner peace. Holding onto grudges and harboring resentment creates a heavy burden on our hearts and minds. Practicing forgiveness is a potent way to remove unnecessary suffering in our lives and to achieve healing, harmony and spiritual growth.

  Gratitude

Expressing thanks for the simple joys of life helps us to recognize and appreciate the abundance that surrounds us. Gratitude allows us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment, inner peace, and joy. By cultivating gratitude, we train our minds to focus on the positive aspects of life, even during challenging or troubling times.

  Vairagya

Vairagya, the yogic principle of non-attachment, teaches us to detach ourselves from the external outcomes and desires that often dictate our lives. By letting go of attachments, we embrace a sense of freedom and open ourselves up to the present moment. Greed, possessiveness, and clinging to material possessions can create a sense of dissatisfaction and prevent us from experiencing true happiness, inner peace, and contentment.

  Conclusion

Living a yogic lifestyle involves consciously aligning our attitudes, habits, and overall way of life with the principles, philosophies, morals, and ethics of yoga. By following these rules for living like a yogi, one can navigate the complexities of everyday life with grace and purpose, embodying the ancient sage’s teachings on the limbs of yoga and the path of self-realization. Striving towards a state of sattva, characterized by inner peace and equanimity, is the ultimate goal of living like a yogi.