Increasing Awareness and Mindfulness


The yoga lifestyle tends to wrap other causes in with your practice. Many yoginis are also vegetarians or vegans and most are environmentalists. This is rooted in the yogic ethical belief called ahimsa, which means non-harming or kindness. Other ethical beliefs (yamas) include truth, non-stealing, moderation/self-restraint, and non-attachment/self-reliance. Yoga also contains moral observances (called niyamas) which include the principles of clarity or purity, contentment, commitment/perseverance, study/education of one’s self, and surrender—normally to a higher power.

However, you do not need to get a degree in Eastern Philosophy and language to enjoy the benefits of yoga. Just taking the time to quiet your mind and attend a class can have tremendous effects on your mood.