Part 2: Satya
Satya or truthfulness
Welcome back and thank you for joining me as I embark on 40 weeks of trying to live the yamas and niyamas off the mat. 4 weeks for each of the 10 ethical principles.
Today we discuss the second of the yamas, which is so much more than not telling lies...
As a reminder of what the yamas are - also known as ethical "restraints", there are 5 in total, and form the first of the 8 limbs of yoga. Yes, there is much more to yoga than just the physical poses!
Here's what I discovered (& I encourage you to do some of your own self-exploration):
Satya requires courage! Its so much more than not telling little lies, but rather you need to have integrity for yourself and your own life. It can be so difficult to admit to ourself what our truth is when it comes with challenges that force us out of our comfort zone.
Truthfulness, and living that through self-expression is DIFFICULT. It is so so so much easier to overwork / overeat/ indulgence in other activities rather than look towards the things that truly fulfill us - especially if they are things that don't fit into the standard mould of society.
Self-expression is key to live your truth, and something I really struggle to do...but it leads to frustration when I silence myself rather than letting my light shine. Which I guess is directly against the first yama of ahimsa (non-harm).
Do it right the first time...to prevent yourself from having to deal with difficult situations to clean up the mess. I think this is actually one I don't struggle with too much - but who knows, maybe that's because I don't yet quite have all the courage I need to live my truth more fully?
A good question to keep on asking myself is whether I am engaged with the correct pursuits for this stage of my life? I need a ritual to help me round off endings, burn what no longer needs to be carried, and start a new chapter fresh. Any suggestions?
What I will do more of: Make the time for quiet self-exploration so that I can actually listen to my truth. Next step is finding the courage to live my truth!
General takeaway: "When you are not seeing because you are seeing what you are seeing" - I love this quote. Basically, don't blind yourself from the truth through some delusional thing you're wrapped up in.
My takeaway: There is real power in truth. It can be fluid or rigid, but being truthful to yourself shows integrity towards your purpose here on this earth.
You can practice satya with me on the mat in a free Youtube class, during which I share with you journal prompts and ways that you can practice this yogic restraint of truthfulness in your own daily life.
I am SO excited to share with you this 10 part series where we explore the yamas and niyamas in more detail during restorative, yin style classes. See you over in class on Youtube (@Tati von Yoga).
P.S. Here are some suggested prompts from Deborah Adele's book The Yamas and Niyamas:
* Observe the difference between where you are acting "nice" and where you are acting "real". Act truthful towards others by being real rather than nice.
* Pay attention and go slow enough so that you do it right the first time. Face each moment head on with clarity and courage. You don't want to have to go back and clear up the mess and akward situations because you didn't do it right the first time. Act with truth.
* Look at ideas and beliefs that once served you and are now archaic. Honor them and let go of what no longer serves you. Notice also where denial shows up, and be truthful with yourself, your beliefs and ideas.
* Self-expression. Make moves in your external world that are guided by and showcase your internal hopes and dreams. Next time you come across a life-giving opportunity, act on it despite the consequences (within reason!). Bring forth your inner truth.
Lots of love, may you live your truth,
Tati
xx
