Yoga, as defined by the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, is the cessation of the fluctuations of mind. Sutra 1.2 “Yogas citta vritti nirodhah“. The fluctuations of the mind are the citta vrittis. Your mind is not the same as your brain. Your mind is located wherever you are giving attention. Therefore, art yoga uses art in action as a focal point for attention. With this focus, the mind settles.
This is a form of yoga that is available to absolutely everyone. You don’t need to be able to hold downward facing dog pose or even get down on the floor to sit next to your dog. You don’t need exercise clothes or equipment. Although art is a tool for focus, you are not expected to produce anything.
