On the Mat

Samadhi: The Final Limb of Yoga

In this final episode of our 8 Limbs of Yoga series, we arrive at the eighth and final limb: Samadhi. Often translated as complete absorption, Samadhi represents the culmination of the yogic path: the moment when the meditator, the object of meditation, and the act of meditation itself merge into pure consciousness. In this episode, we explore what Samadhi means across yogic traditions, the deeper philosophy behind the term, and how it relates to the journey we’ve taken through the previous seven limbs. We’ll discuss: * What Samadhi actually is (and what it isn’t) * The relationship between Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi * The stages of Samadhi described in the Yoga Sutras * Mystical experiences sometimes associated with deep meditation and much more! This episode ties the entire path of yoga together and reflects on how these practices help create the conditions for profound inner union…you don’t want to miss it!

Dharana & Dhyana: Focus, Flow, and the Heart of Meditation

Today you’re getting a two-for-one as we unpack Dharana and Dhyana, the sixth and seventh limbs of yoga. These two branches are are deeply intertwined, with one leading directly into the other. And together they form the foundation of what we commonly call meditation. We’ll explore why attention is becoming such a rare resource in the modern age, different meditation techniques from the Yoga Sutras to today, and how to choose the right focal point for your unique mind. Then we’ll shift into Dhyana — what happens when concentration deepens into an unbroken flow of awareness — and I’ll share some personal experiences to help bring this abstract idea to life and show how it can unexpectedly arise both on and off the mat. A practical, grounded exploration of these deceptively simple limbs, and the pathway from focus to flow. Join the On the Mat studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com Follow Leah on Instagram: @onthematwithleah

Pratyahara: The Forgotten Limb of Yoga

In this episode, we explore Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga—and the one most often overlooked. Sometimes called the “forgotten limb,” Pratyahara sits at the exact center of the 8 Limbed Path, acting as the essential bridge between yoga’s outer practices (ethical living, asana, breath) and the inner journey of concentration, meditation, and beyond. We’ll break down the Sanskrit roots of the word, why yogic philosophy considers sensory withdrawal to be the gateway to meditation, and how our modern world of notifications, bright colors, and constant stimulation hijacks our attention. You’ll learn the difference between “right” and “wrong” impressions, why controlling what we take in through the senses matters just as much as the food we eat, and practical ways to practice Pratyahara, both on the mat and in daily life. Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah/ Join the On the Mat Studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com/offers/wBrNzCmH

The Vayus: Navigating the Inner Currents of Prana

What happens to prana once it enters the body?  In this episode, we explore the five Vayus  - the directional movements of life force energy that influence everything from digestion to emotional release. From the grounding energy of Apana to the expansive radiance of Vyana, we’ll discover how awareness of these inner winds can support balance, vitality, and harmony in all areas of life. Tune in to discover how awareness of these subtle winds can help you find your energetic flow, on and off the mat. Follow Leah on Instagram: @onthematwithleah Join the On the Mat Online Studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com/offers/wBrNzCmH

Pranayama: Beyond the Breath

In this episode, we turn our attention to the fourth limb of yoga: Prānāyāma. Commonly translated as “breathwork,” Prānāyāma extends far beyond the physical act of breathing; rather it is the conscious regulation of prana, the life force energy that sustains us.  Together, we’ll explore the deeper meaning behind this ancient practice, its roots in the Yoga Sutras, and the five categories of pranayama techniques that help us balance, energize, and calm both body and mind. Join me as we discover how conscious breathing can transform energy, still the mind, and deepen your connection to self! Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah Join the On the Mat Studio with a 5 Day Free Trial! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com