The intention of yoga

I created Yoga Farfalla to have a platform where I can share my knowledge of and passion for the practice of Yoga. A place where you can also get to know me, Lydia Fierro, and my approach to teaching the practice of yoga.

Each month I will present a theme with the intention of inspiring you. For my first theme I will discuss the "intention" of Yoga, or Yoga's purpose.

For the Yoga practitioner, now is the only moment that exists. The "asana", or postures, meditation, and "pranayama", or breath control, are the building-blocks of the practice. We use these three elements to help us focus on the present, the now.

"Citta", or mind, and "vritti", fluctuations or distractions, are what we seek to avoid from keeping us in the past or projecting us into the future. "Chitta vitti nirodha-nirodha" is a Sanskrit saying that means "restraint of the mind fluctuations". For the devoted Yoga practitioner, this phrase defines the essence of Yoga.

We, the Yoga practitioners, work to unite the mind, body and breath to bring us into a place of self-reflexion. Here is where self discovery is ignited both physically and mentally. With time and consistency in your practice you will reap many rewards.