What are the Yamas?
- Michelle Rae Sobi
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Yamas are about our interactions with others.
š§š»āāļø Yamas
Living in Harmony with the World Around You
The Yamas are the first limb of yoga and guide how we interact with others. They act as social ethics ā compassionate guardrails that shape how a yogi moves through the world. When practiced consistently, they gently shift our worldview and deepen our sense of connection with all beings.
š Define It
Yama literally translates to ārestraint.ā
These five ethical guidelines invite us to pause, reflect, and choose aligned action.
The 5 Yamas are:
Ahimsa ā Non-harming
Satya ā Truthfulness
Asteya ā Non-stealing
Brahmacharya ā Moderation / Non-excess
Aparigraha ā Non-possessiveness
Together, they form a foundation for conscious living.
š What Does It Mean to You?
The Yamas are commitments ā gentle reminders of how to treat others and ourselves.They are practical ethical standards that support harmonious relationships, emotional clarity, and a lifestyle rooted in compassion.
They ask us:
How do I show up in the world?
How do my actions ripple into the lives of others?
How can I move through life with more mindfulness, kindness, and integrity?
šæ How Can You Apply Them in Daily Life?
1. Ahimsa ā Compassion / Non-Harming
Practice kindness toward all beings, including yourself.Gentle words, thoughtful choices, and self-care are all forms of Ahimsa.
2. Satya ā Truthfulness
A commitment to being honest with others and with yourself.Satya invites discernment ā truth delivered with love, never harshness.
3. Asteya ā Non-Stealing
Avoid taking what is not freely given ā time, attention, ideas, or energy.Honor boundaries and practice gratitude for what you already have.
4. Brahmacharya ā Moderation / Non-Excess
Keep your energy balanced.Whether it's food, social media, shopping, or stimulation, moderation creates space for clarity.
5. Aparigraha ā Non-Possessiveness
Let go of grasping, hoarding, or holding on too tightly.Release what is no longer needed ā objects, people, old stories ā and invite ease and freedom.
āØ What Are the Benefits?
Living the Yamas brings:
Inner peace
Harmonious relationships
Clarity of purpose
Reduced reactivity
A more grounded sense of self
A life guided by compassion rather than fear or scarcity
As these practices take root, they soften the edges of daily life and deepen your connection with yourself and the world around you.
š¬ Invitation
May these practices support you in living with intention, compassion, and ease.
Students enrolled in our program may send a Slack DM to Michelle, or those interested in enrolling are invited to send a CHAT to begin a conversation.
