You Been Doing Yoga... You Just Didn’t Call It That

Let’s be real. A lot of us grew up thinking yoga was for wealthy people with fancy yoga clothes, boutique yoga studios and extreme flexibility, or the handstands, lord the handstands.

If I had a dollar for everyone who asked me if i can do a handstand or split after finding out i practice yoga... lol.

Meanwhile, we’ve been out here practicing the heart of yoga without a mat, a Sanskrit word, or fancy two piece sets. Our mamas and grandmothers raised healers. Our communities raised storytellers. Our instinct (inner wisdom) taught us when to fight, when to rest, and when to speak our truth.

Yoga is more than a pose — it’s how you move through the world.

The Yamas are the foundation of this whole thing — not poses, not flexibility, but how we show up in community. The Yamas are basically community codes. How we live and move in relation to each other. It’s giving principles your grandma already taught you but with Sanskrit names.

Most of us are already living parts of this. Some of us are out here ignoring them completely. Either way this blog is meant to help you remember.

Let's Dive In

1. Ahimsa — Non-Harm

Don’t move through life making everything a fight.

We talk a lot about protecting our peace but rarely about not being the one disturbing someone else’s. Ahimsa isn’t just about not fighting. It’s about not moving through the world like you own it at everyone else’s expense. Leading with love not war.

Think:

• Not clowning your friend’s dreams behind their back.

• Not going off on the cashier just because you had a rough morning.

• Not tearing yourself down in the mirror like your body hasn’t carried you through hell and back.

Ahimsa starts in your words, your tone, your hands, and your self-talk.

2. Satya — Truthfulness

Speak and live your truth

Truth isn’t just about not lying. It’s about not shrinking yourself to fit in, show up exactly as you are and unapologetically. Speak your truth and be honest to your people (keeping love and kindness at the forefront). Don't be on an episode of "when keeping it real goes wrong" remember to say it with love!

Think:

• Naming your burnout out loud instead of saying “I’m fine.”

• Owning your mistakes without spinning them into pretty stories.

• Being real with your people when something isn’t sitting right.

  
  

Truth can be uncomfortable. But lying to yourself or others costs more.

3. Asteya — Non-Stealing

Stop taking what doesn’t belong to you — energy included.

Asteya isn’t just about shoplifting. It’s about how we take from people without realizing it. Time, attention, and ideas.

Think:

• Always being late like people’s time isn’t valuable.

• Asking for support you never give back.

• Posting someone else’s idea without credit.

• Draining people’s energy and calling it “venting.” (This the one right here)

Taking isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s silent and entitled

4. Brahmacharya — Wise Use of Energy

Not everything deserves your energy. Protect your peace and your power

In a world that glorifies hustle and access, Brahmacharya is about not giving your energy to everything and everyone. It’s energy management with intention.

Think:

• Choosing sleep or a self care routine over another night of partying.

• Saying no to arguments and yes to healthy communication.

• Guarding your creative flow by not entertaining things that don't serve you.

Everything that calls for your attention doesn’t deserve your presence.

5. Aparigraha — Non-Attachment

Stop hoarding what’s expired.

Aparigraha is about not clinging. To people. To titles. To stories and ideals that you've been programmed into believing or cycles that are ending.

Think:

• That job that’s been draining you for years.

• That relationship that only exists because you’re scared to start over or trauma bonding with.

• That identity that doesn’t even fit you anymore.

We hold so tight because we think control equals safety. But letting go is what makes room for your growth.

“You Already Know This.”

We have been living these principles long before we called it yoga. Every time you chose honesty over ego, protected your energy and gave "credit where credit was due".

This is just your reminder to stop sleeping on your own medicine. Say less. Move better. That’s the yoga.

Let's chat in the comments- or take it to your journal

What’s one Yama that’s already alive in the way you move? And what’s one you need to stop playing with and really embody?