What Is Yoga?
Yoga is often understood as a physical practice, but its roots go far deeper. At its essence, yoga is the practice of discovery. It is a path that brings us into union with ourselves, with one another, and with something greater.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the foundational texts of classical yoga, the definition is simple and profound:
“Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ” (Sutra 1.2)
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
This means that yoga is a state of inner stillness, where the constant whirl of thoughts, distractions, and emotional waves settle. In this space of calm, we begin to see clearly. We come home to who we truly are.
Union
The word yoga itself means union. It points to a connection between body, breath, mind, and soul, and for some, with the Higher Self, the universe, or even God. But yoga is not a religion. It does not require belief in any particular faith or spiritual path.
Instead, yoga invites exploration. For some, the practice remains rooted in the physical and mental benefits, strength, flexibility, balance, and peace of mind. For others, it opens a door to something more, spiritual insight, sacred connection, or quiet communion with the divine.
There is room for everyone in yoga. Whether you come to the mat for healing, for challenge, for stillness, or for soul, the practice meets you exactly where you are.
