Yoga Life

Lies Okkerse

In today’s world, modern yoga is often centred around the body — strength, fluidity, mobility, and the vibrant way movement can make us feel awake and alive. Yet in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, yoga is defined as citta-vṛtti-nirodha — the quieting, the dissolving, the settling of the mind’s fluctuations. Both truths can coexist. Movement can be a doorway into stillness; the dance can lead us toward silence. The practice we meet on the mat may begin with śarīra — the body — but its heart is something deeper: to soften the mental waves, turn inward, and remember the spacious presence beneath all motion. And with that spirit in heart, a big shout-out to the beautiful souls from last week’s training. Your openness and receptivity made our time together truly meaningful. I don’t claim to know much — I am simply honored to pass forward the wisdom passed down by the great teachers who continue to inspire me: Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, and Harriet Beinfield. Grateful for the journey, the learning, and the stillness we created together. Photo credit: @rajanalex #mindfulness #stillness #silence