Part 6: Saucha
Saucha or purity
Join 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 explore the 1st niyama called saucha or purity. Cleanliness and purity are distinct, and there is definitely more to this niyama than simply keeping your body and environment clean.
But first, what are the niyamas? Also known as ethical "observances", there are 5 in total, and form the second 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):
Saucha has 2 sides: 1) physical and mental (we can purify our body, thoughts and words), and 2) relational (being purely with someone, i.e. fully showing up in the moment with them).
Practicing saucha helps me feel lighter and brighter, and a kind of clarity to my essence. Starting with a good shower, healthy meal, sweat, and declutter of my environment helps get me in the mood to investigate the load I can lighten in my emotions.
Yogis practice saucha to strengthen the body and to insulate the mind. Which allows us to prepare for the awakening of energy within us. This is actually not something I’ve thought about much before.
I love a good pranayama, or breathing exercise, to bring lightness to the body. This is said to cleanse our nadis (energy channels).
Purification vs cleanliness: purification works on our inside and changes our very essence, while cleanliness is focused on our outside and changes our appearance. Important distinction! Saucha calls us to the inward journey of purification.
Practicing saucha, really helps me identify where in my life I carry heaviness (in the form of limiting beliefs, unhelpful coping mechanisms, and where I can practice forgiveness). This helps “lighten the load” and invites in lightness.
Here are some ideas for you to practice cleansing: drink more water, do a bit more exercise, sauna, a period of fasting or eating only whole-foods, cleaning out your house, decluttering, and purifying your tongue (i.e. speak only the truth and nothing of harm).
Purity asks us to slow down and do one thing at a time. Hurrying, multi-tasking and business are killers of purity.
Being pure with myself means not wanting to “plan” myself to be any different than I am. It also means to be pure with myself by not being afraid of my feelings and thoughts. I have nothing to hide from myself, and so can become my own safe space as well as that of others.
What I will do more of: not getting addicted to being busy, less multi-tasking, so that I can show up purely in every moment.
Takeaway: Put the whole of you into and out of all you do. Show up purely in every moment.
You can practice saucha 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 observance of purity 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 JOURNAL PROMPTS from Deborah Adele's book ‘The Yamas and Niyamas’:
* Notice where your body is sluggish. Begin to purify yourself through diet and exercise, as well as the space around you. Time to clean! Remember there are two aspects to this: external cleansing versus internal purifying.
* Purify your thoughts and speech - use friends, forgiveness, ritual, journaling etc. to release toxic and stale, negative thoughts. Replace these thoughts with love and gratitude. Purify your thoughts.
* Be purely with yourself. Just leave yourself alone. Journal the experience that was invoked for you by doing so.
* Set aside one undisturbed hour and take the entire hour to eat one fruit (e.g. an orange). Slow down and be purely present with each moment as it presents itself. Journal your experience. Experience the purity of the present.
Lots of love & kindness,
Tati
xx
