A Journey to Bliss through the Koshas
When we speak about self-discovery, it can sound like something we need to add into our lives. But in the wisdom of yoga, the path is less about adding and more about revealing. Beneath our layers of habit, conditioning, and identity lies something unshakable, luminous, and whole. It exists in all of us, and we all have access to it. Read on to learn how we can connect with this luminous Self.
In yogic philosophy, these layers are called the koshas. These are five sheaths or veils that wrap around the truest essence of who we are. Like the layers of an onion, they’re both protective and obscuring, guiding us inward when we choose to explore.
The Five Koshas: The Sheaths of Self
Annamaya Kosha: The Physical Body
This is the densest layer of our being. It’s our skin, muscles, bones, This is the layer we often identify with most. Yet even here, conditioning shows up: posture shaped by stress, habits etched into the body. Through asana (yoga postures), mindful movement, and nourishment, we soften this sheath and listen to what the body truly needs.Pranamaya Kosha: The Energy Body
Beneath the physical lies the pulsing current of prana, our life force. Stress, overstimulation, and distraction can block its flow. Breathwork, yoga nidra, and gentle awareness practices begin to clear these pathways, restoring vitality and balance.Manomaya Kosha: The Mental & Emotional Body
The swirl of thoughts, emotions, and stories. This sheath is often crowded by the “shoulds” and expectations we’ve inherited. Here, journaling and meditation become allies offering a way to witness, unravel, and reframe, rather than identify completely with every thought.Vijnanamaya Kosha: The Wisdom Body
We are becoming more subtle now. This is the intuitive layer, where clarity arises and we can discern what is real, what is nourishing and right for us, and what is simply noise. Through deep rest, meditation, and intentional self-inquiry, we access the quiet wisdom that’s always been here.Anandamaya Kosha: The Bliss Body
Finally we arrive here. At the very core: pure being, joy without reason, connection beyond words. This is not a fleeting emotion, but a state of resting as your truest self, untouched by conditioning.
Practices That Lead Us Inward
Our practices aren’t about reaching perfection; they’re about creating space to peel back the layers. Yoga asana opens the physical body and invites the flow of breath. Yoga Nidra guides us into deep rest where the veils naturally soften. Journaling invites reflection and integration. Restorative practices allow the nervous system to unwind so that we can hear what lies beneath the noise.
Each practice is a lantern, illuminating the way inward. And the journey is not linear. Instead it is circular, spiral-like, meeting ourselves again and again with more compassion, curiosity, and clarity.
Your Invitation: Journey to Bliss
If your heart is calling for a day to explore these layers with intention, I invite you to join me for Journey To Bliss - a half-day retreat where we move gently through yoga, yoga nidra, journaling, restorative practices, and mindful ritual. You’ll be held in a safe, nourishing space with soul-warming food and a luxe goodie bag to carry the experience home.
This is your chance to pause, peel back, and remember the bliss that’s already within you.
