Yoga is a mind and body discipline steeped in 5,000-years of history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various yoga styles exist, each combining physical poses, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation.
Karma Yoga
A yoga practice consists of specific exercises called poses. To practice means, we learn how to bring harmony into our mind, body and spirit on the mat and our daily lives.
Philosophy of Yoga
Although yoga is not a religion, there is a spiritual message, and the words used to guide a practice often use the symbolism of roots, the trunk, branches, blossoms, and fruits from a tree.
There are six “branches” of yoga, each representing a different focus:
Hatha yoga: is intended to steady the body and mind.
Raja yoga: involves meditation and a strict following of a series of disciplines known as yoga’s “eight limbs.”
Bhakti yoga strives to establish a way of love and a positive approach to expressing emotions, cultivating acceptance and compassion.
Karma yoga: known as the path of service, aims to create a tomorrow liberated from negativity and greed.
Jnana yoga: develops awareness and is considered the “path of the scholar,” developing intellect through study.
Tantra yoga: is the pathway of observance, ritual, or connection fulfillment.
Is it Karma, or is it Karma Yoga?
Often considered the yoga of service, Karma Yoga is more about personal freedom.
Think about it this way, if you feel like you are plodding through life like crawling through mud, that is Karma. If instead, it feels like you are gliding through your work like dancing on air, that is karma yoga.
When we are joyfully involved in any activity, that is karma yoga. When we feel that it takes great effort to complete the action, there is only Karma, and no yoga happens.
When our daily activities become feelings of freedom instead of the rub of difficulty, we practice karma yoga.
Whatever you are called to do, feel first. Does it feel liberating or more like a struggle?
How To Practice Karma Yoga
The question isn’t about how much we do, but how it makes the difference.
Karma means doing or action, but if we want to practice Karma Yoga, we must feel effortless and happy.
Conversely, if we observe internal conflict, then we only have Karma.
Shine Your Light
Dance, twirl and bounce through life.
Be in service to others by practicing Karma Yoga.
Live your dreams and do more of the things that make you happy.
Taking action soaked in freedom and happiness will shine your light so bright.
With intention, make Karma Yoga your way of life. Who knows the ripple you will create!
Yoga Photography
Yoga photography is something I fell in love with many years ago.
Bringing what I “see” through my third eye (camera lens) when someone is in a yoga pose (especially if they are posing in one of their favorites) and out into a photo is pure magic for me.
I believe this is one way I am practicing Karma Yoga.
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Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
