Niyamas — on and off the mat

CorePower Yoga teachers on yoga as philosophy in motion

Regular practitioners understand that yoga is a way of life, not just a (great) workout. The physical aspects of a yoga practice often get the spotlight, but it’s the philosophy that’s the true foundation of yoga. Niyamas are practical guidance on how to exist in a way that helps us live with more clarity, compassion, and purpose. 

These are the guiding principles that shape how we relate to the world around us:

• Shaucha: The principle of cleanliness and purity. 

• Santosha: The principle of contentment, which involves living in the present moment.

• Tapas: The principle of discipline and determination.

• Svadhyaya: The principle of being curious and open to reflection.

• Ishvara pranidhana: The principle of surrender. 

Why the Niyamas are important

We asked four CorePower yoga and programming leaders to share how they live these Niyamas and why they’re important. Here’s what they said.

The Niyamas act as a compass for living in alignment for Kada, a Denver-based teacher interested in sound healing. “On the mat, they remind me that my practice isn’t about perfection, but about showing up with intention and presence. Off the mat, they influence how I approach relationships, self-care, and even the way I respond to challenges."

For Leigh-Anne, an LA-based nutrition counselor and teacher, the Niyamas remind her that her mindset is a choice. “Everyday I get to choose how I will approach the journey of life.”

Hailey, an Orange County-based teacher with a deep interest in the myths of the asanas, finds the Niyamas both grounding and empowering. “On the mat, Saucha shows up in how I prepare my space. Tapas and svadhyaya arise when I lean into moments of challenge and see them as opportunities for growth. Off the mat, the same tools apply.”

And Tara, a South African-born Atlanta resident, former professional surfer, yogi, and mom, says that they’ve been a life-changing guidebook. “When I first studied yoga philosophy, I realized this was what I’d been missing. The Niyamas aren’t lofty rules — they’re simple, profound truths. The one I need most always seems to show up right when I need it.”

Which of the Niyamas come naturally, and which challenge us

Self-reflection (svadhyaya) comes naturally to both Kada and Tara. As Kada puts it, “It’s second nature for me to reflect, journal, and notice patterns in my thoughts and actions.” But both admit that contentment (santosha) is harder.

For Leigh-Anne, discipline (tapas) comes naturally. “Once I set my mind to something, I’m determined to accomplish it,” she says. Her challenge? Again, santosha, “I say it all the time, be happy where you are, because I need to hear it myself.”

Hailey resonates most with self-reflection and discipline, but finds surrender more difficult: “It’s a reminder to release my attachment to the outcome and trust the process.”

Teaching through the lens of the Niyamas

Each teacher has their own way of weaving these principles into their classes. Kada threads them in gently, while Leigh-Anne offers them as intentions, universal enough for every student to interpret personally.

Hailey integrates them into encouragement and philosophical themes: “Even if students don’t know the words for these principles, they can still feel the experience of surrender, ease, or reflection.” Tara themes her classes from her own reflections: “If I’m working on something, my students are too — we’re in this together.”

Favorite Niyamas

For Kada, it’s ishvara pranidhana (surrender): “It softens my need to control outcomes.” Leigh-Anne says her favorites change. Right now, it’s saucha (purity). Hailey’s favorite is santosha. Tara doesn’t have a favorite because it fluctuates. Currently, tapas is resonating, but ishvara parnidhana (surrender) is the most consistent.

The takeaway

The Niyamas aren’t abstract philosophy; they’re living practices. They meet us where we are and guide how we step onto the mat and how we move through the world. Some may come more easily than others. They reveal blind spots and opportunities for growth — and maybe that’s the point.