SAUCHA

Reading from Tuesday and Wednesday, February 24 and 25, 2015 yoga classes

So.... we finished studying the 5 yamas and now the niyamas!

Niyamas are observances.  The observances are not intended to be strict and static, but are individualized and meant to be adapted as we adapt, ever-changing as we are.

1st Niyama:  Saucha--Purity/Self-purification

Saucha is not only a foundation for physical health, it is also a way to cleanse the mind of negative emotions and thoughts. As the mind works towards calmness and clarity, it becomes conscious of any toxins or disease in the body.  Body and mind always work hand in hand.  That is why fasting and cleansing techniques alone won't necessarily produce self-purification.  If the mind is full of mental garbage, it must also come clean.

For the mind to be clear, the body, as well as the surroundings of the body, (home, office, practice space, yoga mat) must be clean.  Don't let dirty dishes, laundry or garbage pile up.  Using a neti pot and cleansing the nasal passages, bathing 1x a day.  If the system is sluggish, toxins stay trapped in your body, keeping tensions, anger, laziness locked within the tissues.  Drink 8 glasses of water a day.

The body, breath and mind have an automatic cleansing process.  The breath ebbs and flows and thoughts enter and leave constantly.  On every level, waste is released and replaced with energy and light.

The steps to cleanse and purify will look different for each of us.  Cleansing doesn't have to be earth shattering or weird(like swallowing gauze to cleanse our insides).  It could be increasing physical activity, drinking more water, a day of fasting on fruit and juice, or a day cleaning out closets; purifying our tongues, don't speak harmfully or untruthfully.  Whatever form purifying takes, it begins with an intention to "lighten" the load we are carrying.  So... what kind of load are you carrying?  Toxins from a poor diet, carrying the baggage of being a victim, or not forgiving; maybe your work spaces are cluttered full of junk...these loads weigh down your body, mind and spirit.

Being pure with ourselves means we are not afraid of our thoughts or feelings; that we do not have to hide anything from ourselves.  Don't be afraid of sadness; to be with people who are suffering WITHOUT trying to fix them.

Simply and fearlessly be with ALL the pieces of ourselves.