The Yamas & Niyamas: Ancient Wisdom for a Creative, Conscious Life

Looking back now I can see just how much my yoga practice shaped the person, and the creative, I’ve become. Not just through the yoga poses we all recognise, but through the ancient wisdom that underpins it all.

“Yoga is more than stretching and handstands- it’s a complete system of living”

The Yoga Sutra’s of Pantajali, a foundational text in yogic philosophy, outlines the 8 limbs of yoga- A roadmap for aligning body mind and spirit.

Asana (the physical postures) are just one of these limbs, the very first two – Yama and Niyama are the ethical and internal observances. They’re invitations to develop our awareness, to guide us in how we relate to the world (Yama’s), and how we tend to our inner landscape (Niyama’s). I didn’t realise it at the time, but learning to live in alignment with these principals helped me become calmer, more grounded, more productive and more creative. They taught me how to listen inward, to build my intuition, how to clear space for inspiration and how to build a life that feels aligned, inside and out.

The Yamas- How We Show Up in the World

The Yamas are ethical principals, they tell us when we are heading in the wrong direction and instruct how to get back to our path. They shape how we interact with others and guide us away from actions that cloud our clarity or drain our energy, so we can live with more peace and ease in the world.

Ahimsa- Non-Violence.

At it’s core, Ahimsa is love. It means choosing compassion over fear, for ourselves and others. When we stop harming ourselves with criticism, perfectionism, or comparison, we create the inner safety for our creativity to flourish.

Satya- Truthfullness.

To live in truth is to honour our inner voice, to choose authenticity over people-pleasing, speaking with integrity, and living in alignment with what we really value- even when it’s uncomfortable. Truth clears the way for more depth in your unique self-expression.

Asteya- Non Stealing.

Asteya isn’t just about taking someone else’s belongings- it’s about letting go of envy, comparison and scarcity. We steal from others and ourselves when we believe we’re not enough. But when we trust that we already have what we need, we unlock ubundance…

Bramacharya (walking with god)- Non Excess.

Bramacharya invites us to leave greed and excess behind and walk through the world in awe. It’s not about denial- it’s about intentionality. It asks us to pause before we indulge, to savour without excess, and to move through life remembering its sacredness.

Aparigraha- Non Attatchment

This is the art of letting go. Of posessions, identities, outcomes, and expectations. In yoga,

it means accepting the body we are in today. In life it means releasing control and making space for the new. For the artist it’s the freedom to create without clinging to perfection.

The Niyamas- The Inner Practice

The Niyamas are personal observances, practices for nourishing our inner world. I often think of them as the soil we cultivate so creativity, clarity and joy can grow.

Saucha- Purity

Purity in thoughts, space and intention. Yoga cleanses the body for good health, postures, yogic breath, and eating with awareness purify our physical body. Mindfulness and meditation help us to purify our thoughts, emotions, attitude and actions. To be pure in the moment and each task in that moment. Saucha clears space for more clarity in the creative parts of your mind.

Santosa- Contentment

To be content is to stop chasing the next thing to be grateful for what you have now. It’s not passive- It’s peaceful. When we are content, our energy softens. Our attention sharpens. Creativity thrives not in dissatisfaction, but in appreciation.

Tapas- Discipline/ Inner Fire

Tapas is the gentle burn of commitment. It’s what keeps us returning to our practice- creative or spiritual, even when motivation fades. Tapas is the heat that transforms habits and strengthens will. It’s the fire that fuels growth.

Svadhyaya- Self Study

This is the work of truly knowing yourself. Reflecting on your patterns, your stories, your light and your shadow. It’s also the study of sacred texts or teachings. Svadhyaya brings self-awareness, and with awareness comes liberation.

Isvara Pranidhana- Surrender

The final Niyama asks us to let go. To trust in a higher force- whatever that means to you. I call it the Universal Creative force. Isvara Pranidhana is about releasing control and allowing yourself to be guided. Creativity often comes through surrender: when we stop trying to force and let the muse in.

Living the Practice

I didn’t wake up one day fully embodying these teachings. But as I slowly wove them into my daily life, I began to notice subtle changes. My mind softened. My art practice deepened. I became more at peace with uncertainty. I felt connected to something greater.

Living the practice takes hard work and Tapas (discipline, the fire inside). It’s easy to become distracted and fall out of good habits and our practice. Sutra 1.4 from Pantajali’s yoga sutra’s reminds us-

“Practice becomes firmly rooted when it has been cultivated for a long time without interruption and with a positive attitude”

The Yamas and Niyamas are ancient, yes – but they are still radically relevant. They offer the framework for living with clarity, compassion and purpose. Yoga is a system that can guide you to a fuller life, uncover your inner voice, find an endless supply of inspiration, and begin to follow your passions with clarity and confidence.

When you align your inner world with your outer actions, you connect with the “Universal Creative force” creativity doesn't have to be chased- it flows…

For regular inspiration on Yoga and Creativity-

Follow on Instagram @the_way_of_the_creative

For my Minwha Art follow @minhwa_witch

For any questions or comments or to receive the Blogs, sign up for news and updates…