October Theme of the Month

As we move into the Autumn this is often a time of introspection.

As the season changes so do we. Like the trees that are starting to draw their energy inwards preparing for the restful season of winter we can start the journey from the outside world to our inner world. Autumn is often associated with letting go and summer is more about activity and energy, so this is a great opportunity to be able to turn back to the quiet depths within us.

The five koshas are the layers that make up our entire being. The word kosha translates to “sheath” and you can think of them a bit like Russian dolls, the sheaths that make up the complete “us.” These subtle energies, also called subtle bodies, are really different ways in which we experience being. Our physical layer is the outermost layer, and our spirit, or our soul, is the innermost.

The koshas, described in the yogic tradition, offer another perspective: five increasingly subtle layers through which we can contemplate and gain a deeper understanding. The concept of having five layers within our body appeared in the earliest yogic texts, in the second chapter of the Taittiriya Upanishad. Yoga creates the tools to peel back these layers to bring our awareness deeper and deeper into our bodies, eventually reaching the innermost core.

Turning Inwards - The Koshas

Week 1 - Annamaya Kosha
Physical Body and Earth element. This is the most obvious layer – our muscles, bones, skin, organs. It’s the body we live in, made and sustained by food (“anna” in Sanskrit means food). In yoga we can balance strength with flexibility and find poses that provides stability (shtira) & ease (sukha). Practicing yoga increases awareness of your body and posture and physical movements stimulate circulation and digestion.

Week 2 - Pranamaya Kosha
Energy Body and Water element. Prana is life force, most easily felt through breath. In yoga we can Practice breathwork (pranayama) to support the free-flowing energy. Noticing your energy levels and honouring your natural rhythms instead of pushing yourself. Conscious breathing boosts energy and calms the mind.

Week 3 - Manomaya & Vijnanamaya Koshas
Mental Body and Fire element. This is the mind, our thoughts, our emotions. In yoga we can practice mindfulness and find pauses to notice what you’re feeling without judgement. Mindfulness practices help regulate emotions and build resilience and yoga enhances memory and focus. Wisdom Body and Air element. This kosha is about intuition, inner knowing, the quiet wisdom beneath the noise. Studying yogic scripture supports this layer. Self-inquiry and contemplation deepen understanding of our beliefs an

Week 5 - Anandamaya Kosha
Bliss Body and ether/space element. The most subtle layer. Bliss, peace, deep contentment. Meditate – even for a short while not to “achieve” anything, but simply to be. Yoga promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Related Videos

Yoga For The Digestive System (Short)
Yoga For The Digestive System
Yoga To Keep You Centred
Core Energy Boost
Yoga For Energy & Creativity
Focus & Concentration
Breathing & Movement for Tension & Stress
Stress & Tension

This Month’s Music

Here’s a selection of the music that Vicky has been enjoying this month.

Recommended Books

Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom - BKS Iyengar