Get Real with Yoga

Dharma: Your Soul’s Blueprint 

So, what is Dharma, and why should you care? Dharma is translated as purpose. On an individual level it’s your soul’s blueprint, the reason you’re here on this earth. 

No, it’s not about your job title, your roles, or the hats you wear—it’s about who you are at your core. It’s the thing that lights you up from the inside, that gives your life meaning and direction. 

But here’s that truth no one seems to get: finding your Dharma isn’t as simple as taking a personality test or reading a self-help book. It requires deep, inner work—a commitment to self-exploration that goes far beyond the superficial. And that’s where Yoga, real Yoga, comes in. 

Asana: More Than Just Poses 

Let’s talk about Asana, the physical practice of Yoga. If you’re thinking it’s all about bending your body or nailing that perfect handstand, you’re missing the point. Asana is so much more than just poses—it’s a tool, a method, designed to prepare your body and mind for the deeper work of Yoga. 

Each posture, each sequence, is carefully crafted to influence your mind and energy. It’s not about how far you can stretch or how strong you are. It’s about what the pose does to you—how it shapes your energy, calms your mind, and gets you one step closer to understanding your Dharma. 

Folds and Twists

For example, Forward Folds and Twists aren’t just about touching your toes or wringing out your spine. They’re designed to ground you, to help you let go of the rubbish that’s cluttering up your mind, and bring you back to centre. When you’re centred, you’re in a much better position to start asking the big questions about  who you are and your purpose. 

Backbends and Laterals

Backbends and Laterals, on the other hand, are about expansion. They open up your heart and mind, making you more sensitive to the subtle energies within you. This heightened awareness is crucial for tapping into your Dharma, because it allows you to tune in to the quieter, more intuitive parts of yourself. 

Inversions and Extensions

Then there are Inversions and Extensions—these are the powerhouse poses that direct energy into your spine and support your meditation practice. When done correctly, they help unlock your sacred nature, guiding you towards the higher states of consciousness where your Dharmic blueprint resides. 

Meditation: The Key to Unlocking Your Dharma 

Now, here’s the thing: all the Asana in the world won’t get you where you need to go if you’re not meditating. Meditation is the cornerstone of a true Yoga practice. It’s where all the physical work comes together, where you start to connect with your deeper self, your Dharma. 

In Meditation, you strip away the distractions, the noise, and the ego-driven thoughts that keep you stuck. You get quiet, you go inward, and you listen—not to the chatter of your mind, but to the whisper of your soul. That’s where you’ll find your Dharma. 

Mantra plays a big role here too. These sacred sounds aren’t just words; they’re vibrations that help to still the mind and align your energy. When used in meditation, they become powerful tools that can guide you towards your purpose, your Mahad—the great idea, the blueprint for your ultimate potential. 

The Role of Vinyasa Krama: Intelligent Sequencing 

To really get the most out of your Asana practice, it needs to be intelligently sequenced. This is where Vinyasa Krama comes in. It’s not about doing poses for the sake of it or stringing them together in a way that looks good on paper. It’s about understanding the science behind the poses—how they influence your energy, your mind, and your journey towards Dharma. 

Vinyasa Flow VS Vinyasa Krama

For those of you that recognise the term ‘Vinyasa’ and are thinking; “well that’s what my teacher offers”. Sorry, it’s not the same thing. And just like we now know to watch for clever marketing of our food be warned of what’s on your current Yoga tin. It’s often a highly processed version, barely recognisable as anything close to the original. 

A well-sequenced practice doesn’t have to involve complex flows. What it does have to do is align your energy centres, calm your mind, and prepare you for the deeper work of Yoga. It’s not something that happens by accident —it’s not a ‘creative’ act, it’s deliberate, purposeful, and rooted in a deep understanding of how asana and the other tools of Yoga actually work. 

When you practice with this kind of intention, you’re not just moving your body around. You’re working on yourself, layer by layer, peeling back the superficial to get to the heart of who you are. You’re doing the real work, the work that will lead you to your sense of true self and purpose, Dharma. 

Yoga as a Pathway to Purpose 

So, why does any of this matter? Why should you care about Dharma, or about practicing Yoga in this way? 

Because, quite frankly, life is too short to be stuck in practices that don’t serve you. If you’re spending your time on the mat, you want to know that it’s taking you somewhere—that it’s helping you become the person you were meant to be. 

Yoga, when practiced as it was meant to be, is a pathway to purpose. It’s a system, a science, designed to lead you towards your true self. It’s not about the poses, the flexibility, or even the relaxation—it’s about doing the inner work to discover your Dharma and living it fully. 

Moon, Sun, and Fire Practices: A Journey Through Energy 

At our studio, we structure our practices around three key stages: Moon, Sun, and Fire. Each stage has a specific focus and is designed to shape your energy in a particular way, supporting your journey towards self realisation and Dharma. 

Moon Hatha

Moon Practice is all about grounding and centring. It focuses on forward folds, twists, and the exhale, helping you let go of what no longer serves you and bringing you back to your centre. 

Sun Hatha

Sun Practice is where you start to expand your awareness. Through backbends, laterals, and focusing on the inhale, you open up your heart and mind, creating sensitivity to the energy currents within you. 

Fire Hatha

Fire Practice is the final stage, where transformation happens. This practice connects you with the energy in your spine, lifting your awareness to higher states of consciousness. It’s in this stage that you start to unlock the Kundalini Shakti—your innate spiritual energy—and transform it into Prana Shakti, the active power that fuels your growth and leads you to your Dharma. 

No More Excuses: It’s Time to Get Real 

Look, I get it. Life is busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. But if you’re serious about finding your purpose, about living a life that’s truly aligned with who you are, then it’s time to get real. No more excuses, no more distractions. It’s time to do the work. 

Yoga, real Yoga, isn’t easy. It requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to go deep. But if you’re ready to put in the effort, it will give you everything you need to discover your Dharma and live it fully. 

So, are you ready to stop messing around and start getting to the heart of Yoga? If you are, then I’m here to guide you. This isn’t about ticking boxes or following trends. It’s about doing the real work that will lead you to your true self. Let’s get started. 

Join Us On the Journey 

Now, if you’re local, you’ve got a golden opportunity right here. Our studio is more than just a place to stretch—it’s a sanctuary for those who want to go deeper. We offer the systematic structure of classes, including beginners’ sessions, so whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, there’s something for you. Check out our timetable on the website and come join us. I promise, it’s a decision you won’t regret. 

But I know not everyone can make it to the studio in person, and that’s where our YL App comes in. This app is your gateway to a thriving online community, on-demand classes, weekly teachings, and seasonal courses—all designed to keep you committed to your practice and your journey of self-discovery. It’s like having the studio in your pocket, available whenever and wherever you need it. 

So, whether you’re local or halfway across the world, there’s no excuse. Get on board, start doing the real work, and let’s uncover your Dharma together.