Not just a series of postures

The practice of yoga is a science and art of living. If it were just about postures and poses it would be called something other than yoga. Its objective is to create union between body, mind and spirit, with an understanding that no one or thing is separate from ourselves. The aim is to create harmony, balance and peace in the individual in search for completeness and unity with the greater whole.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is an eight-limbed path that forms the structural framework for yoga practice. This path is called ashtanga, which literally means "eight limbs" (ashta=eight, anga=limb). Everything is tested and verified through direct experience and should be practiced as universal moral principals, not restricted by conditions of birth, place, time or circumstance.

The Yama's and Niyama's are the empathetic declarations of the inherent goodness of each individual - that the essential nature of every person is whole, good and free. This is apparent when the illusion of separateness falls away. Each of the Yamas and niyamas are the suggestions on how we should deal with people around us and our attitude toward ourselves.

Yamas

These are the "outer observances" that relate to our relationship with the world. They are ethical standards, focusing on our behavior and how we conduct ourselves in life. They are not intended as rules, but more as moral guidelines which tell us that our fundamental nature is compassionate, generous, honest and peaceful.
There are five Yamas...

Ahimsa - Compassion for all living things
This means to not injure or show cruelty to any living creature. To show consideration, kindness and thoughtfulness to everyone and thing and to inflict no harm.

Satya - Commitment to truthfulness
We should be truthful at all times - unless the truth can impact negatively on another. It is always better for any relationship to speak and behave honestly and truthfully 

Asteya - Non-stealing
The practice of asteya means not taking anything that has not been freely given to us. This is not just related t o taking another's belongings without permission, but also another's time.

Brahmacharya - Sexual propriety or sense control
Practicing brahmacharya means that we use our sexual energy to aid our connection to our spiritual self. It does not necessarily mean celibacy but rather forming responsible relationships ensuring we dont use this energy in a way which will harm others.

Aparigraha - non grasping or hoarding
This means to take only what we need or have earned and not to be greedy or take advantage of a situation. To learn to let go of material things and attachments and realise that nothing is permanent and change is the only constant.

Niyamas

These are the "inner observances" which relate to our relationship with ourselves - they illustrate self-discipline and spiritual observance in order to live soulfully. It is how we live when no one is watching.

Saucha - Purity
Saucha relates to purity and cleanliness of mind body and speech. Outwardly, it relates to keeping ourselves clean and inwardly it relates to living healthily incorporating diet and exercise and maintaining clarity of mind.

Santosha - Contentment
Santosha is about feeling content with what we have and not worrying about what we don't have. Understanding that all we need is within a moment. Even in difficult circumstances, there is always good.

Tapas - Disciplined use of our energy
Tapas means to "heat" the body in order to cleanse it and refers to keeping the body fit and handling inner urges without outer show. We can direct our energy into living enthusiastically and paying attention to diet, posture and breathing.

Svadhyaya - Self Study
This means to find self-awareness in everything we do - including accepting our limitations. To be centered and not self destructive and to find our balance in life.

Isvara Pranidhana - Surrender to God or Higher Self
This practice requires that we set aside some time each day to recognize that there is some omnipresent force larger than ourselves that is guiding and directing the course of our lives