The second principle of yoga practice is 'Satya' or truthfulness. (If you missed the intro to the first principle,scroll back to last week's post on Ahimsa). The root word 'Sat' means something like 'that which is'. So, practicing Satya means practicing being with things as they are - in your thoughts, words and actions. It also means cultivating the ability to discern between facts, opinions and judgments. It's about coming out of the shadows of ignorance and living in the light of truth. Satya goes beyond speaking your own truth. Practicing 'being with what is' also means being with OTHER people as THEY are; allowing others to be 'real' with you. Lying alters others' perception of reality. When we actively try to alter anothers' perception of reality for our own gain, we deprive them of the facts they need to make good decisions for their own lives (hello, fake news era). And, most importantly, truthfulness is not being delivered in the spirit of yoga if it is not tempered by the principle of ahimsa (non-harming). When our thoughts/actions/speech are couched in the spirit of truth and kindness we act from the best of ourselves. We create clarity and connection, and we bring out the best in others. Here are some ways you might explore practicing 'Satya' on and off the mat: Intention/Affirmation: 'I communicate with love and clarity' Off the Mat: Before you speak, ask yourself whether what you're about to say is 1) True 2) Kind and 3) Useful. (I believe this sage advice comes from yoga teacher, Judith Hanson Lasater) Mindfulness Meditation: Posture Practice: Give your body what it's asking for TODAY, even if that's different from what you normally do.
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The aim of #yoga is to still the busy-ness of our minds - but if your life and relationships are a mess, it's hard to have a quiet mind. So, yoga starts, not with poses, but by cleaning up your relationship with yourself, with others and with the world around you. Moral and ethical practices are the foundation of Classical Yoga. The first principle of practice is 'Ahimsa', or non-harming. Beyond just refraining from harming people, you might think of it as a practice of nurturing. Here are some ways you might explore that: Intention: 'I nurture myself and others' Supportive Breath: Dhirga (see video for instruction) Pose: Try a supported restorative pose, like legs up the wall or savasana. Any practice that you find nurturing is perfect. Activity: Recognize social distancing as an act of 'ahimsa'. If you're working on the frontlines to keep people healthy and fed, that's 'ahimsa'. If you're working from home to keep your family nourished and housed, that's ahimsa |
AuthorAmanda Tripp, Yoga/body nerd and woman of a 1000 opinions Archives
February 2024
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