Sati means “mindfulness” in Pali, the first written language of Buddhism. To be mindful means to live and experience one’s life in the present moment, with understanding and compassion. The more time we spend living in the here and now, the more chances we have to wake up to our true Self. In this sense, sati also implies “awareness.”

In the Buddhist context, mindfulness is formally practiced in seated meditation, but we are also encouraged to be mindful in all of life’s activities. Through nonjudgmental observance of our physical and mental behavior, we begin to notice patterns in the way we relate to the world around us, and realize that many of our actions lead to suffering. We cling to our specific hopes for the future, we avoid aspects of life that don’t match our expectations, or we simply ignore things all together. However, continued mindfulness practice ultimately reveals that none of this lasts – everything is impermanent. With this understanding comes the promise of breaking out of the cycle of suffering, and awakening to our true nature.

Yoga, especially asana (postures) and pranayama (breath work), gives us the unique opportunity to practice mindfulness through the sensations of the body. By simply focusing the mind on moving, stretching, and breathing, our body becomes a vehicle to increased awareness.

Like anything, it is possible for yoga practice to become a habit in which we do not remain present to the experiences of the body. When we practice without awareness, we reinforce the unconscious conditioning that shapes not only our attitudes to our body but to life at large.

Sati Yoga is a joyful, interdisciplinary approach to yoga that inspires inquiry and curiosity. Students are encouraged to let go of the mind’s habitual patterns and tap into the body’s inherent wisdom for advice and guidance throughout each session.

If you're in the Washington, DC area, drop in on a class or get in touch to schedule a private yoga or Pranassage session.