Build a Spiritual Yoga Practice That Aligns Mind, Body, and Spirit

Build a Spiritual Yoga Practice That Aligns Mind, Body, and Spirit

Hi fam! Have you been longing to bring more depth, connection, and magick into your yoga practice? Do you crave a sense of inner peace and a deeper connection to your highest potential without needing to be advanced in your physical yoga practice? I’m so excited to share today’s post with you, where we’ll dive into the heart of yoga—a sacred, intentional fusion of mindful movements and Spirit-led rituals that nurture your inner self.

As someone who has completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) and has been on this transformative yoga journey for nearly a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the profound shifts yoga can create—both within myself and in others. This practice isn’t just about the physical poses; it’s about cultivating a deeper connection to your true self and aligning with your spiritual path.

This guide will help you create and sustain a yoga practice that resonates with your personal journey. Whether you’re a beginner yogi, a seeker of mindfulness, or a practicing pagan looking to integrate yoga into your magickal practice, this blog is here to support you. The beginning of your spiritual yoga journey is such a powerful moment to set intentions and initiate growth.

Together, we’ll explore key aspects of yoga, like setting intentions, incorporating chanting, and practicing yoga off the mat. Sounds like a deep-breathing, heart-opening, om-azing vibe? Stick with me—I’ve got you! Let’s deep dive into the core components of building a practice that’s uniquely yours.

Table of Contents:

1. What is a Spiritual Yoga Practice?

2. Exploring Yoga Philosophies

3. Setting Intentions for Your Practice

4. Practicing Gratitude

5. Self-Discovery and Reflection

6. Connecting with Your Higher Power

7. Yoga for Spiritual Growth

8. Maintaining a Daily Practice

9. Final Thoughts

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What is a Spiritual Yoga Practice?

Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “union,” is an ancient practice with roots stretching back over 5,000 years. First codified in the Yoga Sutras by the sage Patanjali, yoga was established as a system for achieving self-realization and spiritual growth. The term “yoga” itself means ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite,’ symbolizing the union of the individual self (atman) with the universal consciousness. This profound tradition has been a cornerstone of spiritual philosophy, guiding practitioners to align body, mind, and spirit.

Texts like the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture central to yoga philosophy, provide timeless wisdom on overcoming emotional tendencies, cultivating inner balance, and pursuing spiritual evolution. While modern yoga often emphasizes asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control) for physical health, the true essence of yoga lies in connecting movement, breath, and intention to align with a higher self. This spiritual dimension of yoga encourages practitioners to explore inner consciousness, transcending the distractions of the material world to find emotional and spiritual equilibrium.

Historically, yoga was never about intense physical workouts. Instead, it has always been a practice of reducing stress, increasing compassion, and deepening the spiritual journey. By blending ancient wisdom with today’s challenges, yoga provides tools to process difficulties, release emotional burdens, and remain grounded in the present moment. Whether on the mat or in daily life, these timeless principles—rooted in thousands of years of history—offer a pathway to a more balanced, mindful, and harmonious existence.

Exploring Yoga Philosophies

At the heart of yoga are profound philosophies that guide practitioners on their spiritual journey. One of the most influential frameworks is the 8 Limbs of Yoga, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. These eight interconnected steps provide a roadmap for living a meaningful and purposeful life, blending ethical practices, self-discipline, physical postures, breath control, and meditation.

To dive deeper into the 8 Limbs of Yoga and how they can enrich your practice, check out our detailed blog post here: The 8 Limbs of Yoga – A Guide to Spiritual Growth. By understanding these ancient philosophies, you can bring more intention and depth to your yoga practice, aligning with the timeless wisdom that has guided practitioners for centuries.

Setting Intentions for Your Spiritual Practice

Setting intentions is like planting seeds for growth, aligning closely with the first two limbs of yoga: Yamas (ethical guidelines) and Niyamas (personal observances). These limbs serve as the foundation for cultivating meaningful habits and guiding your energy toward positive change. For instance, practicing Satya (truthfulness) from the Yamas or Tapas (self-discipline) from the Niyamas can help you set intentions that foster authenticity and growth.

Even if your day starts off rough, the practice of intention-setting allows you to shift your energy and create a better outcome. Before your yoga practice, take a moment to center yourself and align your intention with Svadhyaya (self-study) or Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to the divine), both part of the Niyamas. By regularly setting intentions, you engage with the deeper layers of yoga, planting the seeds for a consistent, purposeful practice that supports both inner growth and spiritual alignment.

Practicing Gratitude...It Really Works!

Gratitude is a practice deeply rooted in Santosha (contentment), a key component of the Niyamas. It shifts your focus from scarcity to abundance, helping you appreciate even the smallest wins, like a peaceful moment or a kind gesture. When you practice gratitude, you cultivate contentment and invite positivity into your life. Speaking your gratitude aloud or feeling it deeply amplifies its transformative power.

On the mat, gratitude can be explored through mindful breathing (Pranayama, the fourth limb) or reflecting on challenges as opportunities for growth. Gratitude isn’t just about celebrating the good—it’s about finding silver linings in adversity, resonating with the balance and resilience taught by the Yamas and Niyamas. By choosing gratitude and practicing Santosha, you create a profound shift in perspective, paving the way for deeper peace and fulfillment on your spiritual journey.

Going Inward through Self-Discovery

Yoga is more than just physical movement (Asana, the third limb); it’s a journey inward to explore your true self. Through self-reflection during practice, you can embrace Svadhyaya (self-study), one of the Niyamas, by connecting with your thoughts, emotions, and patterns. This process is at the heart of self-discovery, which is what this blog is all about—removing internal obstacles shaped by past experiences and developing the awareness to heal and grow.

To truly connect with your inner self, practicing Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), the fifth limb of yoga, is essential. By stepping away from external distractions and focusing inward, you can identify what no longer serves you, make space for healing, and deepen your awareness of the divine. This inward exploration reveals areas in need of surrender or transformation, fostering the balance of effort and letting go that yoga teaches.

True spiritual growth in yoga comes from personal experience and self-discovery, not just belief. Incorporating practices that cultivate self-awareness strengthens your foundation, helping you release limiting patterns and align with the eight limbs of yoga. For deeper exploration, check out shadow work prompts or learn more about shadow work. By removing internal obstacles, you’ll connect with your highest self and experience the profound transformation yoga has to offer.

Connecting with Your Higher Power

Yoga, at its core, is a spiritual practice that helps you connect with something greater—whether that’s the universe, nature, or a higher power. This ultimate connection aligns with the final two limbs of yoga: Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (union with the Divine). These stages represent the quest to transcend the senses and intellect, discovering a greater reality often referred to as the Higher Self or Divine Nature.

You can deepen your connection to a higher power through practices like Dharana (concentration), the sixth limb of yoga, by incorporating mantras, prayers, or visualizations into your routine. For example, visualizing divine energy as a protective orb or imagining a specific color can help ground and guide you during overwhelming moments. If you work with a higher power, invite their presence into your practice through chanting, prayer, or simply asking for guidance.

When challenges arise, turn to Pranayama (breath control), the fourth limb, using your breath to align with your higher power. If your focus drifts, gently redirect your energy through meditation (Dhyana) or mantra repetition. By sustaining this connection, you allow divinity to guide your path more effortlessly, transforming each breath into a moment of surrender and unity with the infinite.

Explore what resonates with you—meditation, prayer, breathwork, or visualization—and weave it into your yoga practice. The eight limbs of yoga provide a holistic approach to deepen your spiritual connection with yourself, others, and the Divine, guiding you toward harmony and enlightenment.

If this resonates with you, check out my book, Embracing the Sacred Flow. It’s full of tools and insights to help you deepen your practice and connect with Spirit.

Practicing Yoga for Spiritual Growth

Yoga has long been recognized as a powerful tool for achieving not just physical wellness but also spiritual growth. So, how can you incorporate it into your life meaningfully? While traditional yoga classes often emphasize physical postures and fitness, a truly transformative practice incorporates mindful rituals designed to foster inner peace, spiritual connection, and personal transformation. Drawing on centuries of wisdom, here’s how you can create a spiritual yoga practice that aligns with these time-honored traditions:

1. Set Intentions for Your Practice

Yoga becomes truly transformative when guided by intention. Before you begin, reflect on what you wish to cultivate—peace, clarity, or self-discipline—and carry that intention through your practice. Consider dedicating your session to someone in need, spreading healing energy beyond yourself and fostering a deeper connection to others and divinity.

2. Explore Chanting and Mantras

Chanting mantras in yoga originates from ancient Indian traditions, specifically rooted in Hinduism and Vedic practices. These mantras are Sanskrit phrases that carry spiritual significance and are often used to focus the mind, connect with divine energies, and invoke peace.

• “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” comes from Hindu traditions and is dedicated to Ganesha, the deity known as the remover of obstacles.

• “Om Namah Shivaya” is a powerful mantra from Shaivism, a tradition within Hinduism that reveres Shiva as the ultimate reality and inner self.

• “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” is a common closing mantra in many Hindu, Vedic, and yoga practices, invoking peace within oneself, one's surroundings, and the universe.

  
  

These mantras are integral to spiritual practices aimed at fostering mindfulness, inner harmony, and a connection to the divine.

3. Take Yoga Off the Mat

As we know, yoga isn’t just physical postures, and it’s a way of life and an ongoing spiritual discipline. I’ve mentioned a few concepts like gratitude and self reflection for off-the-mat yoga, but it’s such a small starting point. To really understand the concept of yoga as I way of life, I would highly recommend checking out the Yoga Sutras of Pantajali which is ancient text of 195 sutras—basically bite-sized tips for leveling up spiritually while keeping it real in the chaos of everyday life. It makes for a great audiobook!

The Yoga Sutras teach us to practice non-attachment (vairagya), compassion, and self-discipline beyond our mats. Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, which include the ethical guidelines of the Yamas and Niyamas. Consistently practicing these principles can elevate one to the status of a great yogi, embodying spiritual growth in everyday life. Find ways to make every moment of life a part of your regular yoga practice—whether that’s being kinder to yourself, practicing non-attachment to outcomes, or meditating to reduce stress.

4. Include Meditation and Breathwork

Breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation are powerful tools to connect to your higher self and create presence. These practices are a powerful tool for spiritual development, helping to enhance energy, raise consciousness, and deepen your mind-body connection. Conscious breathing brings awareness to your physical body while quieting your mental chatter.

Meditate after your physical movements to reflect on your practice and tune into Spirit. A simple breath exercise to try? Box Breathing, is an excellent way to calm your thoughts and recenter.

Psst- Check out my whole breath work series on my youtube channel for easy breath work techniques to help you chill out.

5. Recognize and Honor Your Spiritual Journey

Your yoga practice is unique and sacred to you. Trust the process and celebrate small milestones. Creating a daily yoga practice is one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself. In fact, sometimes my best days are when I take a step back in my physical practice in order to build strength. At the sake of being super cheesy it really is about the journey and how you get there, and not just the destination.

Just like with spirituality, it's not about jumping ahead by by Yoga isn’t about achieving perfect balance or enlightenment overnight; it’s about growth, presence, and connection—one breath at a time.

Ways to Keep Up a Spiritual Yoga Practice Daily

Spiritual discipline requires consistency. Here are five ways to keep showing up for your practice, day after day.

1. Create an Altar and use it!: Create a dedicated space for your practice that can help you incorporate yoga with items that inspire your spirit, like crystals, candles, or meaningful symbols. Use your altar to meditate, light candles, and connect with your sacred space. Regularly engaging with your altar is a powerful way to deepen your spiritual connection.

   
   

2. Journal…Everything:Maintain a yoga journal to track your growth and deepen your spiritual journey. Use it to record your mantras, set intentions, and capture any insights that arise during your practice. Journaling can also double as a meditative practice—simply focus on your breath as you write. Unsure where to start? Try the PIES method by reflecting on your current state Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Spiritually. Additionally, consider using your journal to explore your spiritual development by noting moments of connection, gratitude, or clarity, and reflecting on how your practice aligns with your higher purpose.

   
   

3. Embrace the Yoga Philosophies:Integrate yoga’s foundational principles—the yamas (ethical guidelines) and niyamas (personal disciplines)—to enrich your spiritual practice. Embody ahimsa (non-violence) by treating your body kindly during asanas, and practice svadhyaya (self-study) by reflecting on your inner journey. Tapas, or self-discipline, is one of the Niyamas outlined by Patanjali and encourages us to maintain consistency in our practice. Pair these principles with asana (postures) for strength, pranayama (breath control) for calm, and pratyahara (sense withdrawal) for inward focus. When practicing asanas, focus on engaging the entire body in each posture—this not only improves physical alignment but also elevates your energy, mindset, and spiritual awareness. Build on this with dharana (concentration) to sharpen focus, dhyana (meditation) for inner peace, and samadhi (bliss) for harmony. Check out this blog post on The 8 Limbs of Yoga to help you connect with ancient wisdom and foster balance on and off the mat.

   
   

4. Join a Community: Many yoga classes offer a spiritual or mindfulness focus, and workshops often take this a step further by incorporating various healing modalities. You can explore kirtans for chanting, sound healing sessions, and other practices that deepen your connection to yourself and the community. Finding a class or an online group of like-minded souls can help you stay committed and share inspiration with other yogis who connect to the divine . Nothing beats dynamic discussions on spirituality and coming together under a full moon to manifest dreams and heal collectively.

   
   

5. Attend a Yoga Retreat or Workshop: My journey of spiritual enlightenment began the first time I went to a yoga retreat and my life has never been the same since. Take time to immerse yourself in your spiritual yoga practice by attending a retreat or workshop led by experienced teachers.

This will allow you to deepen your understanding and connection to the practice, while also rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit while connecting with others who are on the same path!. Be sure to subscribe to my blog for upcoming witchy yoga retreats and drop a comment if you’d like to go to one!

BONUS:  Align with the Moon Phases:Use the cycles of the moon to guide your practice. For example, practice grounding asanas during the new moon or expansive postures during the full moon to experience the benefits of different energies . :) It’s probably my favorite part of my spiritual practice because you learn how to effortlessly flow through life.

Final Thoughts

Yoga transforms lives when combined with spiritual practices, fostering profound self-awareness and personal growth—starting with just one mindful breath. Having guided students through both yoga and deeper spiritual exploration for years, I’ve witnessed how this practice can lead to a more fulfilling, meaningful life. Yoga is not just a physical journey; it’s a gateway to gratitude, growth, and self-discovery.

BTW: It would mean the world to me if you checked my debut book, Embracing the Sacred Flow. It's packed with insights and guidance to elevate your yoga journey and it's a journey from the heart to help support you on your spiritual path.

Don’t forget to sign up to my free monthly newsletter to stay connected and continue your transformative path! Namaste!