People often ask me what’s the one thing I have done to transform my health, get off psychiatric medications, and maintain harmony after experiencing “mania/psychosis”? The simple answer is YOGA.

Unfortunately, for most of us, when we think of yoga we think of the movement practice and postures (Asanas). This is only 1 out of the 8 limbs of Patanjali’s eight-fold path outlined in the Yoga Sutras, a sacred yoga text that dates back to 200 BCE.

For nearly two decades I’ve been on a journey of learning (svadhyana), practicing (tapas), and integrating (samadhi) these ancient teachings as well as the teachings of other ancient revered cultures and traditions, there are many! The 8 limbs gave me the structure and direction I needed. As many say, yoga saved my life.

So, what are they?

1. Yama (outer world) which include:

•ahimsa (non-violence)

•satya (truthfulness)

•asteya (non-stealing)

•brahmacharya (right use of energy)

•aparigraha (non-greed/non-hoarding)

2. Niyama (inner world) which include:

•saucha (cleanliness)

•santosha (contentment)

•tapas (discipline/burning desire)

•svadhyaya (self-study, self-reflection, study of spiritual texts)

•isvarapranidaha (surrender to a higher power)

3. Asana (posture ie. downward facing dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana)

4. Pranayama (breathing techniques/breath control)

5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal - often achieved through meditation or pranayama practice)

6. Dharana (focused concentration - often achieved through visualization, gazing, meditation)

7. Dhyana (meditative absorption)

8. Samadhi (Bliss/Enlightenment - aka living the dream) This path is woven into the work that I do in supporting others.

Through dedicated practice and adherence to the principles of the eight-fold path, my life underwent a profound transformation. Yoga encompasses a holistic philosophy outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. I immersed myself in the study, practice, and integration of these ancient teachings. The structured framework provided by the eight limbs—ranging from ethical conduct to meditative absorption—offered me both guidance and purpose. As countless practitioners affirm, yoga became not just a practice, but a lifeline. By embracing the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power, I not only cultivated inner peace but also experienced profound growth on my spiritual journey. Ultimately, the culmination of this path led me to a state of blissful harmony, a testament to the transformative power of yoga in expanding consciousness and enriching life's journey.

These principals are not just woven into my daily life, but also into the work that I do with my clients. This holistic approach to healing, any kind of life challenge, is fundamental.