Yoga is More Than Movement (A Brief Introduction to Yoga Philosophy)

Many people view yoga as a form of exercise or a way to stretch and strengthen the body, and some may also associate it with meditation and relaxation. While physical postures (asanas), meditation, and relaxation are integral to the practice and can significantly benefit the mind and body, they comprise only a small part of a much larger path. True yoga is a journey of self-awareness, inner calm, and understanding the mind. At its heart, yoga means union, the connection between the mind and the true Self, between awareness and present-moment experience.

Patañjali was a philosopher who lived thousands of years ago in India and is regarded as the compiler of one of the most important texts on yoga philosophy: the Yoga Sūtras. In his work, he organised centuries of yogic knowledge into a concise guide for understanding the mind, consciousness, and the path to inner freedom. The Sutras define this path in several steps and provide tools to support it, such as asanas (postures), pranayama (breath), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and more (all part of the eight limbs of yoga as outlined in the Sutras). For now, I like to focus on the first three sutras, which, in my view, capture the essence of yoga.

The Yoga Sūtras begin with three foundational sutras:

1. अथ योगानुशासनम् (atha yogānuśāsanam)
   “Yoga begins in the now.”
   This opening describes yoga as something we step into in the present moment. I also see it as an encouragement to practice yoga right now; you don’t have to wait for your next class; you can begin in this very moment. It doesn’t have to be the physical movements; it can be something small and simple, like bringing your attention to your breath for a few moments.
   
2. योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः (yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ)
   “Yoga is the gentle stilling of the mind’s restlessness.”
   Patañjali defines yoga not as a set of postures, but as calming the fluctuations of the mind, our thoughts, emotions, and distractions, so that we can see clearly and experience inner peace. This doesn’t mean stopping thoughts entirely, but rather learning to calm the mind, observe thoughts without being controlled by them, and access clarity, presence, and self-awareness.
   
3. तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम् (tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam)
   “And then, we rest in the truth of who we really are.”
   When the mind is calm, we can recognise our true nature beyond thoughts, habits, and ego. This is the ultimate aim of yoga: self-realisation and inner freedom.
   

These sutras show why yoga is so much more than the physical. While asanas prepare the body and support concentration, at its core, yoga is about the transformation of consciousness, calming the mind, and discovering our true Self: the union of body, mind, and awareness.

The sutras translated into daily life
The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali may sound abstract or philosophical, but they are surprisingly applicable to our daily lives. Here are a few ways you can integrate the first three sutras yourself:

The first sutra: “Yoga begins in the now.”
Every day is a new beginning. You don’t have to wait until Monday or for the perfect circumstances. Yoga can begin right now, with a single conscious breath. For example, take a few mindful breaths in the morning before picking up your phone or starting your daily routine.

The second sutra: “Yoga is the calming of the restlessness of the mind.”
Our thoughts are often like waves that keep moving. Yoga helps us experience still waters. When you notice your mind feels full, simply close your eyes and follow your breath, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

The third sutra: “And then, we rest in the truth of who we really are.”
When the mind becomes calm, we can see ourselves more clearly and feel who we truly are. You can end a yoga session or your day with a moment of silence, asking yourself how you really feel, and perhaps writing it down in a journal.

I invite you to experience this for yourself, whether in a private yoga session or a group class in Curaçao, and discover the connection, union, and benefits that yoga can bring to your life.