THE YAMAS & NIYAMAS SERIES - BRAHMACHARYA

Brahmacharya: Reclaiming Sacred Energy

Of all the yamas in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, brahmacharya might be the most misunderstood. Often translated as celibacy, many people hear this word and immediately switch off—assuming it’s outdated, rigid, or irrelevant to modern life. But when we soften the translation and get curious, we find that brahmacharya isn't really about restriction—it's about intentional living, and honouring your energy and choosing where it flows.

It invites us to ask: Where is my energy going? And is it aligned with what matters most to me?

What Is Brahmacharya, Really?

In Yoga Sutra 2.38, Patanjali says:“Brahmacharya pratisthayam virya labhah” When one is firmly grounded in moderation and alignment, vitality is gained.

The word brahmacharya comes from Brahman (the divine or sacred consciousness) and charya (to walk or live). So, brahmacharya can be interpreted as walking in alignment with the sacred—living in a way that protects, preserves, and channels your life-force energy wisely.

That doesn’t mean avoiding pleasure or living like a monk. It means living on purpose.

As yoga teacher Seane Corn writes,

“Brahmacharya is much more nuanced than sexual continence. The translation I've heard that I love the most is "walking in the presence of God or "walking in God consciousness" which means turning inward and not depending on sensual pleasures or outside stimulation to bring you joy.”

Energy Leaks & Everyday Life

We all have a limited well of energy each day. And modern life—full of notifications, comparison, rushing, and overcommitment—leaks that energy fast.

Brahmacharya asks us to notice where we’re giving away our attention without intention. Are we overextending? Over-consuming? Saying yes when we’re burnt out?

For many of us (especially those who’ve experienced trauma or chronic overwhelm), it can feel safer to stay busy and scattered. Stillness can feel unfamiliar or even confronting. But in that stillness is the chance to reconnect with your inner compass. To choose where your energy wants to go.

“You can do it like it’s a great weight, or you can do it like it’s part of the dance.”— Ram Dass

Practicing Brahmacharya with Compassion

This isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about noticing where your energy flows—and gently reclaiming it. A few ways to explore this practice in your daily life:

• Pause before you say yes. Is this aligned with your values, or just a habit of people-pleasing?

• Check in with your tech use. Are you consuming content that uplifts and nourishes you, or drains you?

• Rest without guilt. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s sacred. It restores your energy for what truly matters.

• Protect your creative energy. You don’t owe your light to everything and everyone. Keep a little just for you.

• Explore pleasure with awareness. Brahmacharya doesn’t mean denying pleasure—it means being present for it. Enjoy what fills you up and helps you feel connected.

As Seane Corn teaches:

“practicing brahmacharya focuses the mind on the task at hand and helps us dedicate our energies to both our inner work and our work in the world.”

Brahmacharya in the Studio

At Wild Soul Studio, brahmacharya is woven quietly into everything we offer. Whether you're on your mat, receiving a massage, or sitting in circle, you're invited to listen inward. To notice what fuels you and what drains you. To give yourself permission to slow down. To turn your energy inward—not to withdraw, but to reconnect.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just start by asking: What do I really need right now? And then—if you can—give that to yourself.

That, too, is sacred.