Hi, I’m Celeste. I am the owner of Protea Life and the founder of Protea Movement Studio. I want to take a moment to share the deeper roots of yoga and the philosophy that shapes the way we teach at our studio.
Yoga Is a Philosophy, Not Just a Practice
Yoga is a spiritual philosophy that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is not a religion, but rather a way of living and relating to the present moment. One of the most influential figures in yoga history is the sage Patanjali. He compiled the Yoga Sutras, a collection of short but powerful teachings that outline the foundation of yoga.
The word sutra means “thread.” Each sutra is a brief yet profound statement that weaves into a broader understanding of the yogic path. These teachings are not simply inspirational quotes. They are guiding principles that offer direction for a mindful, grounded, and balanced life.
Sutra 1.1: “Now Is the Time to Practice Yoga”
The very first sutra, atha yoga anushasanam, translates to “Now is the time to practice yoga.”
This teaching reminds us that yoga does not require preparation or perfection. You do not need the ideal schedule, the right mat, or years of experience to begin. Whether you are brand new to the practice or returning after time away, now is always the right moment to begin.
You can practice yoga anywhere. You can do it while sitting in traffic by pausing for a few deep breaths. You can show up for class early in the morning or simply take a few minutes at home to check in with your breath and body. The form does not matter as much as the intention behind it. The practice begins when we become present.
This first sutra gives us permission to meet ourselves as we are. It reminds us that yoga is not about being ready. It is about choosing presence.
Sutra 1.2: “Yoga Is the Quieting of the Mind”
The second sutra is yoga chitta vritti nirodhah, which translates to “Yoga is the quieting of the fluctuations of the mind.”
In other words, yoga helps us step away from the noise in our heads. Our minds are busy and often full of to-do lists, worries, and distractions. While our thoughts are powerful and necessary, they can sometimes keep us stuck in patterns of stress and comparison.
Yoga helps us connect to the breath and observe our thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them. It is not about stopping our thoughts altogether. That is impossible. Instead, it teaches us to become less reactive and more centered.
This practice of observation creates space. It reminds us that we are not our thoughts. We are the awareness behind them.
Beyond the Poses: Finding Balance
Many people think yoga is all about the poses. While movement and breath are important, they are just tools. The shapes we make on the mat are there to help us strengthen the body, create space, and support stillness.
Yoga is truly about balance. It helps us navigate the middle ground between effort and ease, between pushing too hard and holding back, between self-judgment and self-compassion. It invites us to return to the present moment with gentleness and curiosity.
At Protea Movement Studio, this philosophy is part of everything we do. We believe that yoga should be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in mindfulness. Whether you are flowing through a sequence or resting in stillness, you are practicing yoga.
And you do not need to be in a studio to do it. Every time you pause to breathe, every time you slow down your mind, and every time you choose presence, you are living your yoga.
Practice With Us
The first two sutras are simple but profound. They invite us into a lifelong practice of awareness and growth. At Protea Movement Studio, we honor these teachings by creating space for everyone to explore them in their own way.
We would love to practice with you. Come as you are. Now is the time.
Prefer to watch?
Celeste explains it all in the video below.