Our Purpose
This website serves as an informative portal designed to help individuals find their "true selves" through routine practices of meditation and yoga. Our content aims to guide you to a path of self-discovery, personal growth, and holistic well-being, encouraging a deeper connection with Spirit. Yoga can be very intimidating for beginners because there are so many intricate complex teachings spread between hundreds or even thousands of authors each with their own unique insights. DO NOT let this fact discourage you, the information presents itself in an individualized way specific to your personal preferences (always keep this in mind). Yoga has had such a positive impact on my life, and it is my wish to share this creation with everyone who is willing to pay attention and take action. I bow to you (namaste) – Steph
What is Yoga?
Yoga (Yo·ga)
Definition
1) A Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation. 2) A system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation derived from Yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote physical and emotional well-being. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yoga)
Personal Definition
The Sanskrit word Yoga is translated as union or to yoke or join. Yoga is a practice of consciously placing our physical body in different physical postures so that we may stimulate the seven chakras or major endocrine glands within our bodies so that we may connect with the divine. In yoga we are working to find our balance in the chakras and in doing so we also find balance between our physical and spiritual lives. They say, "taking your practice off the mat". There are many styles of yoga such as: Hatha (a foundational, slow-paced practice ideal for beginners), Vinyasa (a dynamic, flowing style linking breath to movement), and Ashtanga (a rigorous, structured sequence) or Other popular variations include Iyengar (focused on precision and alignment using props), Yin (passive poses held for minutes to target connective tissue), Restorative (deep relaxation using extensive props), and Kriya (an ancient meditation technique focused on pranayama (breath and energy control) designed to rapidly accelerate spiritual development and induce a state of tranquility).
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yoga is much more than the physical activity of Asana. These eight limbs of yoga are a comprehensive framework for spiritual and moral development outlined by Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. While modern practices in America often tend to focus on physical postures, this path consists of eight interconnected components that guide a practitioner from ethical living to ultimate liberation.
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Yama: Ethical restraints or moral imperatives, including non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), sexual restraint (Brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha).
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Niyama: Personal observances and inner disciplines, such as purity (Shaucha), contentment (Santosha), self-discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), and surrender to a higher power (Ishvarapranidhana).
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Asana: Physical postures that must be steady and comfortable, originally intended to prepare the body for long periods of meditation rather than for athletic performance.
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Pranayama: Breath control and regulation of the life force (Prana), involving conscious manipulation of inhalation, exhalation, and breath retention.
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Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses, where the practitioner turns their awareness inward, disengaging from external sensory distractions.
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Dharana: Concentration or one-pointed focus of the mind on a single object, mantra, or location.
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Dhyana: Meditation, characterized by a continuous, unbroken flow of awareness toward the object of concentration.
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Samadhi: A state of deep absorption or enlightenment, where the distinction between the observer and the observed dissolves, leading to self-realization.
Personal Philosophy
I believe uniting the body and spirit using the mind is the key to finding our true purpose in life and living a healthy more fulfilling life. I also believe that the entire system of yoga should be taught (free of charge) as common knowledge and passed down from generation to generation. I am spiritual (not religious), I do not subscribe to one religion, but I do pray to the different religious figures. Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice used as a path to know the self entirely. I have realized the journey of spiritual awakening is not for everyone. I do not try to "convert" anyone; it is my opinion to not share wisdom unsolicited. My classes will aim to be beginner friendly and progress with my own ability. I plan on pushing content to social media platforms such as reedit, X, Instagram, You Tube and Facebook if interested. I am currently in the process of becoming a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Renew's, accredited online program. I am eager to start sharing my experience with everyone and I encourage you to approach these teachings with the most open of minds. There is a very famous quote I love that says "The body is the vehicle, consciousness is the driver, yoga is the path, and the chakras are the map" - Anodea Judith. I follow information and the philosophy of: Sadguru, Paramahansa Yogananda, Osho, A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Mark Stephens, A. E. Waite, Opera Omnia,Ram Das, Carl Jung, Gene Hart, Allen Watts, Anodea Judith, Ophiel, Sage Patanjali, Jesus The Christ, Shiva, and my Devine Mother Shakti.
FAQs
What is yoga doing for me?
Through the path of Yoga, we find strength, length, mindfulness, clarity, and self-discovery through the eight limbs of yoga.
Yoga means: to join, but what are we joining?
Through Yoga we are learning how to bring the body, the mind, and the spirit together in divine union so that we may reach higher states of consciousness such as Samādhi and attain self mastery.
Why do I call myself a Yogi of Shakti?
I chose my name because one day I was meditating and when I hit the resonance of Samādhi, the divine mother revealed herself to me in the inner vision.
What is Kundalini Awakening?
In yoga we observe a coiled serpent who lies dormant in our Root or Muladhara chakra and as we work with the eight limbs of yoga, we begin to realize this potential energy within our bodies allowing it to rise as we work with our chakras. WARNING: Working with this energy can be very confusing, please make sure you have the proper guidance and mental fortitude. This kind of awakening can be very self-destructive.
