We are officially half way through our 40 Day Challenge! Congratulations and well done to our Challenge participants, and thanks to everyone who supported us this far.
“The first 20 days of sattvic living has been as sweet as butterflies drinking nectar!”
Over the last 20 days we have practiced the primary codes of yoga …
The yamas:
- ‘Ahimsa’ Non-harming – Acting with kindness & compassion (see Day 15)
- ‘Satya’ Truthfulness – Honesty to self & others (see Day 12 continued)
- ‘Asteya’ Non-stealing – Looking after personal belongings (see Day 6)
- ‘Brahmacharya’ Countenance – Self-control & self-restraint (see Day 14)
- ‘Aparigraha’ Greedlessness – Sharing food, not overeating (see Day 16)
The niyamas
- ‘Shaucha’ Personal purity– body, thoughts, actions (see Day 9)
- ‘Santosha’ Contentment – Not complaining, acceptance (see Day 4)
- ‘Tapas’ Ability to withstand hardship, personal strength (see Day 5)
- ‘Svadhyaya’ Self-study – Looking at your actions and reactions (see Day 17).
- ‘Ishvara-prandhana’ Devotion – Emersion of self into the sacred life (see Day 10)
This first half of the 40 Day Challenge has shown us that Yoga can be far more integrative than just practicing asanas (physical postures).
Over the next 20 days we will integrate the 8 limbs of Yoga and report back our findings…
There are essential benefits available for anyone who applies the full 8 limbs of Yoga:
- yamas (moral codes) provide social responsibly
- niyamas (personal codes) provide self discipline
- asanas (physical postures) provide health and wellbeing
- pranayama (breath control) provides vitality and clarity
- pratyahara (sense withdrawal) provides restful introspection
- dharana (concentration) provides mental focus and cognitive strength
- dhyana (meditation) provides insight and mindfulness
- samadhi (complete absorption) provides union with collective consciousness
Next, Shiv our honorary Challenge member shares his favourite recipe:
Shiv’s ‘totally delicious Rice Pillau with chickpeas, lentils, and caramalised onions (mujaddhara)’.