You are on your own journey. A journey steered by life events, decisions and circumstance.

If you are reading this, you may be the type of person who embraces spiritual thinking, or a pursuit of wellness which is centred around yoga, meditation, breath work or other traditional practices. On the other hand, perhaps you have simply stumbled upon this page solely due to fate or accident. Whichever one it is, welcome. 

Be ready to delve a little further into the origins of yoga, understanding its own journey into modern life.  

Our lives move quickly, and we are all guilty of getting caught up in its materialism, with many of us taking the time we have on this beautiful earth for granted. Yoga enables us to connect not only with our mind and body, but with nature and wildlife, through breath, movement and meditation. 

The practice of yoga goes far beyond a method of exercise; it is a way of life, a way to open yourself up to new possibilities, a path to true wellness of body, mind, and soul.

Let’s Start at the Beginning… 

The origin of yogic practices and spiritual living dates back over 5000 years, and what we know as yoga today retains much from the evolution it has undergone in that time. 

Throughout its history, yoga and spirituality have at times been feared, chastised, and even made unlawful by some. Today, thankfully, it is embraced by millions of people around the world. 

Vedic and Pre-Classical Period

The earliest transcriptions of yoga can be found in Vedic literature, with each subdivision written in the form of poems and hymns to encourage the broadening of body, mind and soul, ultimately guiding practitioners to spiritual enlightenment. 

An authentic connection to nature was an important part of yoga practice at this time, with many Yogis choosing to live in woodlands and moors. This reverence for nature can be seen in modern yogic lifestyles too, and for good reason. Yoga allows us to connect with something bigger than ourselves, and what better way to deepen that connection than by experiencing the majesty of nature firsthand?

During the pre-classical era, yoga found its way to Buddhism. The central teaching was to  ‘lead a life of fulfilment selflessly’, a tenet which continues to be a key ideology in many types of yoga today - in particular, karma yoga. This type of yoga is all about doing things for others with no expectation of reward.

Classical

As the years passed and society developed, so did the techniques and theories surrounding yoga. The classical era brought with it the introduction of the ‘eight limbs’ of yoga, stages still used in today’s modern practices:

1. Yamas (abstinences) 
2. Niyama (observances)
3. Asana (postures)
4. Pranayama (breathing)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Ghana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (absorption)

Introduction to the Western World

Post-Classical

From the 16th Century, right through to the end of the 19th Century, yoga continued to grow and evolve. Yogis became more focussed on the physical aspect of the practice; asanas, pranayama and kriyas were at the heart of yoga at this time. 

This version of yoga began to be embraced by the Western World, and its popularity quickly became apparent. 

Modern Yoga

The modern day wellness movement is gaining huge momentum and finding a newfound fan-base of followers.

Since the early 1900s, yoga has become a popular pastime for a variety of people. Trends relating to the practice have been adapted throughout each decade in order to fit into the society of the time. 

Shifting ideas about where to practise have seen people head to studios, gyms, parks and beaches. Likewise, various ‘types’ of yoga have fallen in and out of favour over the decades, including Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Anusara Yoga, and more recently Animal Yoga. 

Today’s society has enabled the teachings of yoga to reach a wider audience, through the birth of social media channels such as Youtube, Instagram and TikTok, empowering teachers and entrepreneurs to share their wisdom and experience with a wider audience. A large online community has grown up around yoga and wellness.

For thousands of years, those of us living a yogic lifestyle have found that it brings balance in our lives and the wider world. Sharing this beautiful earth with nature and wildlife can create harmony within ourselves, and using the techniques in everyday life enables us to cultivate a clearer mind, body and soul.