Near the very start of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali defines yoga in a single line. It does not mention postures or flexibility. It speaks only of the mind, and of the stillness that becomes possible when its movements settle.
One line that defines yoga
Yoga is the settling of the movements of the mind.
The movements, or vrittis, are the thoughts, memories, judgements and imaginings that pass through us all day. Yoga does not ask us to fight them. It asks us to let them settle, the way muddy water clears when it is left still.
Practice and letting go
Patanjali gives two means for this: abhyasa, steady practice, and vairagya, non-attachment. Practice is returning to the mat, and to the breath, again and again over a long time. Non-attachment is loosening our grip on outcomes, on how a posture looks or how fast we progress.
The two work together. Practice without letting go becomes strain; letting go without practice becomes drift.
How it shows up on the mat
This is why we teach postures slowly, with attention to the breath. A posture held with a calm breath and a watchful mind is already a practice of the first sutra.
- Notice when the mind runs ahead, and come back to the body
- Let the breath stay smooth, even in effort
- End every practice in stillness, however short
