The Yamas and Niyamas
Yoga isn’t just about physical poses; it’s a holistic practice that invites us to cultivate balance, compassion, and mindfulness in all areas of life. While many of us are familiar with the physical postures, the deeper magic happens when we explore the principles that guide our thoughts and actions: the Yamas and Niyamas.
At Evry yoga Zurich, we view these teachings as a modern survival kit for urban life. Found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, these first two limbs of the "Eight-Fold Path" serve as a moral compass, helping us navigate the world with more awareness and less stress. Whether you're visiting our studio at Hardstrasse 39 in Zurich or practicing at home, these principles provide the framework for a truly yogic life.
The Yamas: Your Social Compass
The Yamas are five ethical guidelines for how we relate to the world around us:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): The foundation of practice. It’s about kindness—to others, but also to yourself. In our Zurich classes, this means listening to your body rather than forcing a shape.
Satya (Truthfulness): Living with integrity. It’s about being authentic on your mat and honest in your life.
Asteya (Non-stealing): Not just about physical things, but not stealing time or energy. It’s about practicing abundance.
Brahmacharya (Moderation): Finding the "sweet spot" of energy. We aim for this balance at Evry, ensuring you leave class energised rather than exhausted.
Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Letting go of the need for a specific result. Practice for the sake of practicing.
The Niyamas: Cultivating Your Inner Landscape
While the Yamas look outward, the Niyamas are personal observances that help us relate to ourselves with more clarity and purpose.
Saucha (Purity): This is about keeping our body, mind, and environment clean. At Evry yoga, we strive to create a clean, calm sanctuary for your practice to help clear out mental clutter.
Santosha (Contentment): Finding peace in the present moment, exactly as it is. In yoga, this means embracing your practice today without comparison or judgment.
Tapas (Discipline): The "inner fire" or commitment. It’s the discipline that brings you to your mat, even when life gets busy.
Svadhyaya (Self-study): Using your practice as a mirror. Through introspection and reflection, we become more aware of our patterns and can make conscious choices.
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender): Letting go of the "how" and trusting the process. It’s about releasing control over outcomes and trusting the flow of life.
Integrating Philosophy into Modern Life
The physical postures (asanas) strengthen the body, but the Yamas and Niyamas help us to look inwards. By weaving these principles into your daily routine, you create a more balanced, peaceful existence that lasts long after you've rolled up your mat.
As you navigate the busy streets of Zurich, we invite you to take these teachings with you. Try focusing on just one principle each week. Notice how a little more Santosha (contentment) or Ahimsa (kindness) changes your commute, your work, and your relationships.
Why Evry yoga?
At Evry yoga Zurich, we believe the focus you find on the mat should translate directly to your daily life. It’s not about perfection; it's about building a practical toolkit for balance and mental resilience that works in the real world.
Located at Hardstrasse 39, our studio is a space for every-body to move, decompress, and connect without the ego.
Ready to get started?