Yoga is

During our Poornamidam Yoga Teacher Training, we explored through readings, discussions, scholarly interpretations, and contemporary usage how this word and practice has been refined and evolved over time. This exercise was part of our weekly philosophy discussions, helping us understand that Yoga is not one singular thing, but encompasses everything that leads us to a state of balanced mind—one that is ready to be present with what is, here and now.

This state needs to be available to us throughout the day. When we look at it from another perspective, we ask: how can our everyday actions be performed in such a way that they lead us to Chitta Vritti Nirodhah—the calming of the ripples of the mind?

Since Yoga is 99.99% off the mat, these readings and definitions revealed a comprehensive, elaborate understanding that “Yoga is Joy”

Yoga is Joy, an ever-present state that comes from:

• Union - Connecting with our essential nature

• Yoking ourselves to our higher nature - Aligning with our deepest wisdom

• Integration - Integration - Bringing together all aspects of our being: thought, word, and action in sync with our noble values

• Concentration - Focusing the mind with clarity and purpose

• Paying Attention - Cultivating mindful awareness in each moment

• Cheerful Acceptance of the current moment - Embracing what is with grace

• Turning away from sensory indulgence - Finding contentment beyond external pleasures

• Absorption - Deep immersion in the present experience

• Transcending smaller identities - Moving beyond limiting self-concepts to anchor into our true nature

• Performing actions skillfully - Acting with wisdom and compassion

• Staying resilient through changing circumstances - Improving what can be improved and enduring what cannot be changed

• Disassociating from association with sorrow - Finding freedom from unnecessary suffering

• Yoking ourselves to unchanging universal support - Connecting to the eternal fabric that sustains all existence

• Being with oneself free of labels and identity limitations - Experiencing the pure joy of authentic being

• Sat, Chit & Ananda - Knowing that we exist (Sat), we are aware (Chit), and this very existence-awareness is bliss (Ananda)