Yoga is a huge part of my life both on and off my yoga mat. When I feel blockages in my life (or in my practice) or I am hit with life’s challenges, I am always guided and challenged to grow when I reflect on the wisdom written in the ancient yogic texts.

All of us experience obstacles at some stage as we journey along our chosen paths. And truthfully if we didn’t meet any obstacles, then nothing would truly force us to delve inwards, to overcome challenges and to really get to know ourselves on a deeper level.

A path with no obstacles would probably take us to a dead end!

In sacredancient yogic texts, sage Patanjali, often described as the Father of Yoga’, composed196 yogic sutras, one of which is titled the “9 obstacles to yoga practise.”

The moreI practise yoga and dig deeper into the philosophy, the more I find that these ‘9obstacles to yoga’ help me to reflect on my daily life. They define these manyobstacles not just in a yoga practise terms, but in theoretical terms thataffect daily life. They help me to recognise my weaknesses, encourage me not torun away from pain, but to work with what is truly going on.  

They help me to regain more focus and clarity than ever before

I hopethese yoga sutras can be of some guidance to you too. Print them off and putthem on the back of your toilet door. It is amazing what insights they may justgive you one day.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras- the 9 obstacles to yoga

1. Vyadhi:Physicalillness 

2. Styana: Lackof interest or enthusiasm

3. Samshaya: Doubtor indecision 

4. Pramada: Carelessnessor negligence 

5. Alasya:Physicallaziness

6. Avirati: Desirefor sense objects 

7. Bhrantidarshana: Livingunder illusion or wrong understanding

8. Alabdhabhumikatva: Missingthe point or inability to hold on to what is achieved 

9. Anavasthitatva: Inabilityto maintain the achieved progress