What's in a name?

A friend recently asked if I named the studio Eight Limbs Yoga because I have two dogs.

Two dogs. Four legs each. Eight limbs. It makes sense and it made me laugh.

The name comes from the Eight Limbs of Yoga, an ancient philosophy described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. While many people think of yoga as simply the physical practice, the postures are only one part of a much larger path toward enlightenment.

The Eight Limbs offer a framework for living with greater intention. They encourage us to cultivate kindness toward others, honesty with ourselves, steady breath, focused attention, and a deeper sense of connection. Together, they remind us that yoga isn't something we do for an hour on a mat. It's something we carry into the rest of our lives.

This doesn't mean you need to memorize all eight limbs or study yoga philosophy before walking into class. In fact, you don't need to know any of it.

Just show up. Breath. Make funny shapes. Try to have some fun.

The philosophy has a way of revealing itself over time. Sometimes it shows up in how you respond to a difficult pose. Sometimes it's in the patience you find during a stressful week. Sometimes it's simply in carving out an hour to care for yourself.

I want Eight Limbs Yoga to embrace this philosophy. I want build a community where yoga is welcoming, accessible and challenging, and rooted in something deeper than physical movement alone. My hope is that what you discover on your mat stays with you long after class ends. Whether you leave feeling stronger, calmer, more present, or simply a little more connected to yourself, that's the practice.