Eight Limbs of Yoga

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Before you watch this, I want to invite you to shift out of ‘content mode’ and into reflection mode.

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This video introduces the Eight Limbs of Yoga — not as a list to memorise, but as a way of understanding how yoga actually lives through your body, your nervous system, your relationships, and your choices.

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As you watch, don’t try to capture everything. Instead, notice what lands. Notice what challenges you. Notice which limbs feel familiar, and which feel uncomfortable, interesting, or even resistant.

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Let this be a personal inquiry, not an academic one.

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After the video, please complete the assignment that follows. The assignment is there to help you integrate what you’ve watched — into your real life, your practice, and your development as a teacher.

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There are no ‘right’ answers.

 

There is only honest observation.

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So watch slowly.

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Let it land. And then meet the assignment from experience, not theory.

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And when you’re ready… let’s begin.

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Assignment one - 

A reflective and creative integration assignment

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PURPOSE OF THIS ACTIVITY

 

The Eight Limbs Life Map is designed to help you move from understanding yoga philosophy intellectually, to recognising it in your own lived experience.

 

This activity will help you:

• personalise the Eight Limbs

• identify strengths and imbalances

• understand how the limbs interconnect

• and integrate yoga beyond the mat

 

 

WHAT YOU ARE CREATING

 

You will create a visual “map” of your life using the Eight Limbs as your framework.

 

Your map can be:

• a body outline

• a tree

• a wheel or mandala

• a house or structure

• or any creative design that feels meaningful to you

 

There is no correct artistic style. This is about awareness, not appearance.

 

 

STEP 1 – CREATE YOUR MAP

 

On paper or digitally… 

 

Draw your chosen image and divide it into eight sections.

 

Label each section with one limb:

 

Yama  

Niyama  

Asana  

Pranayama  

Pratyahara  

Dharana  

Dhyana  

Samadhi  

 

This becomes your Eight Limbs Life Map.

 

 

STEP 2 – REFLECT ON EACH LIMB

 

For each limb, explore the following three layers. Write, draw, or symbolise your reflections.

 

 

A. Where this limb is already alive

 

Ask yourself:

• How does this limb already show up in my life?

• What feels steady, supportive, or embodied?

• Where am I already practising this, even unconsciously?

 

B. Where this limb is challenged

 

Ask yourself:

• Where is this difficult?

• What habits, patterns, or resistances do I notice?

• Where do I feel disconnected or inconsistent?

 

C. One practical intention

Choose one small, realistic action connected to this limb.

Not a life overhaul – a lived experiment.

 

Examples:

• “I will pause and breathe before responding to messages.”

• “I will practise kinder self-talk this week.”

• “I will create one hour a day without stimulation.”

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OPTIONAL DEEPENING

 

Add a fourth layer if you wish:

 

D. How this limb affects the others

 

Notice and write at least one connection between limbs.

For example:

• how breath affects your focus

• how rest affects your emotions

 

 

CREATIVE ELEMENTS

 

You are welcome to include:

• colours

• symbols

• quotes

• words or affirmations

• drawings or collage

 

This is a personal reflection tool. Messy and honest is more powerful than neat and impressive.

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INTEGRATION & SHARING

 

After completing your map, reflect on the process.

 

Possible reflection questions:

• What surprised me?

• Which limb feels strongest?

• Which limb needs the most care?

• How does this change my understanding of yoga?

 

 

REMEMBER

 

You are not being assessed on your life circumstances.

 

This activity is about:

• understanding the Eight Limbs

• applying them to real experience

• and practising honest self-inquiry.