inspirations from our teacher training
Inspirations From Tillai, our 200 Hour Teacher Training
If öm time were to offer anything on a consistent basis besides cutting edge yoga and a warm and aspiring community, it is inspiration. We love to inspire. We live to inspire. We live to be inspired!
öm time is delighted to share with you… some incredible insights from our Tillai, 200 hour teacher training!
We will offer current student insights so keep your eyes peeled… oh… and be INSPIRED!
The following are responses from our current classes midterm, defining in their own words, the Yamas and Niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Jennifer Brodbeck writes:
Yamas and Niyamas
The word YOGA brings many different meanings to the minds of many different people. What starts as a way to become more flexible, get stronger, or relax often becomes a spiritual journey that has many paths to potentially take. No matter where you are on the journey of yoga, the principle teachings of the Yamas and Niyamas are beneficial to any level of practitioner. They are teachings from the 2nd book of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and are the first 2 limbs of the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga. Then they are broken down further with 5 facets each. They are sometimes referred to as the “Ten Commandments of Yoga”. They allow us to be at peace with ourselves, our family, and our community.
YAMAS-relationship to the world, reflection of our true nature, wise characteristics
Ahimsa-Non-Violence, friendliness, consideration for others, compassion
***Be kind to others, be kind to yourself, and be kind to your things too.
Satya-Truthfulness but without doing harm, not deceiving, without exaggerations, seeking knowledge
***Ultimately this comes 2nd to ahimsa..Ask yourself..is it truth or opinion or gossip?
Asteya-Non-stealing, not taking advantage of someone who confided in us, being considerate to other’s time and attention, generosity
***Besides the obvious stealing, also consider that being late is stealing someone’s time.
Brahmacarya-Responsible behavior, reserving our energy for the purpose of moving closer to truth, sexual responsibility, sense control, moderation and balance
***”Yoga is not for one who eats too much, or for one who fasts too much, nor sleeps too much or sleeps too little, but instead lives in a harmonious flow along the middle path.” -Bhagavad Gita
Aparigraha-Taking only what is necessary, letting go of our attachments to things, non hoarding, avoiding greediness and jealousy
***Have gratitude for all your many blessings instead of mourning things you do not have.
NIYAMAS-relationship to the self, evolution toward harmony, codes for living soulfully
Saucha-Cleanliness, purity, clarity of mind, ridding the mind of disturbing emotions such as anger, greed, pride, hatred, etc
***”A clean palate enjoys the sweetness of an apple and the taste of pure water; a clear mind can appreciate the beauty of poetry and the wisdom imparted in a story; a polished table reveals the deep grain of the wood”. -Taken from Yoga Mind, Body, Spirit
Santosa-Contentment, being ok where you are, being at peace within, being happy with what we have
***This isn’t always an easy one, but even smalls steps in the right direction can help lead to inner peace, even as the external world moves around you.
Tapas-Disciplined use of our energy, commitment to our yoga practice, create heat and burn up desires through practice
***Ignite the fire within!
Svadhyaya-Self-study (and self education), reflectiveness, being introspective
***Take time to read, study, paint, hike…reflect.
Isvara Pranidhana-Surrender, celebration of the spiritual, contemplation of God, turn yourself to god
***Surrender!
Courtney Zenner writes:
As Patanjali states in the Yoga Sutras, the Yamas and Niyamas are the first and second of the eight limbs of yoga. They are the key to a happy life. They provide the context for mindful engagement with oneself and the world.
YAMAS:
The Yamas show how we relate to the world; ultimately, that the world around us actually reflects our true nature. They help us to ponder the question, “who am I? what is existence, and how do I relate to it?”
AHIMSA is nonviolence, or peaceful engagement
SATYA is truthfulness, integrity, mindful speech.
ASTHEYA is nonstealing, generosity, prosperity.
BRAHMACHARYA is moderation generally, and more specifically, the preservation and mindful use of sexual energy. Mindful sexuality. In the most conservative sense, chastity.
APARIGRAHA is abundance, prosperity, generosity.
NIYAMAS:
The Niyamas focus on how we relate to ourselves and how we relate to the divine. They point to the inner journey toward harmony. Like the Yamas, they also help us to ponder, “who am I? what is existence, what is divine, and how do I relate to it?”
SAUCHA is the purification and refinement of mind, body, emotions and spirit.
SANTOSHA is contentment, non-grasping.
TAPAS is energetic action with deep spiritual intention, essentially, purity of mind and speech. It also includes pranayama, mantra and prayer.
SWADHAYA is the study of the self as it relates to the divine.
ISWARA PRANIDHANA is devotion to the divine and to all existence as divine. Through faith and prayer, Iswara Pranidhana is wholehearted dedication.
Julie Circo writes:
The Yamas are a group of 5 moral suggestions for how we try to live life with our best intentions as written in the Yoga Sutras. They are as follows:
Ahimsa is written in the Sutras as non-violence on all levels. To me this means having a mindful gentleness towards myself and others. It is being compassionate, loving, understanding and patient with myself and others.
Satya means truthfulness. It is one of our aspirations as yogis and human beings to have integrity in our words, actions and thoughts. Do our words and actions dance the genuine rhythm of our truest self? Can we be honest with ourselves in a gentle, loving manner?
Asteya is the suggestion of completeness. With the practice of asteya we strive towards a feeling of contentment for who we are, knowing in our deepest place, that we are enough. We can feel that we are all connected, we all matter. Respecting someone else’s time and space is asteya.
Bramacharya is the observance and attention to sexual responsibility. This yama also guides us to avoid excess by living in balance and moderation. Too much of anything may be too much. This is the balance of male and female energies. The yin and yang energies. When we live in balance and harmony we are open and receptive to the world of possibilities.
Aparigraha is the awareness of abundance. We feel gratitude every day for all the we have, all that we are. We can ensure the universal flow by giving freely, knowing that exactly what we need will find it’s way back to us.
The Niyamas are a group of 5 yogic observances for how we interact with ourselves on an internal level. They are as follows:
Saucha is the absence of that which does not serve. We honor ourselves and others by being kind, thoughtful, humble and aware.
Santosha is the feeling of true contentment with ourselves and our lives as they are in their simplest form. Being at peace with our constantly changing reality.
Tapas pertains to having a deep devotion and commitment to our yoga practice. We continue to stoke the fires in our heart, through meditation, practice, experimentation, faith and the pursuit of knowledge.
Svadhaya is self-study and application of that which we long to know of ourselves and our Divine Nature.
Ishvara Pranidhana is ultimate devotion to the divine, being open hearted to our infinite possibilities.
Tali Koziol writes:
The Yamas
Ahimsa
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all” Thumper from Bambi.
Sure he is a cartoon rabbit but he’s got the idea. Don’t be hurtful, don’t be harmful. Speak kindly, act kindly , think kindly. It’s not limited to your actions towards others but also toward yourself.
Satya
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde
Sometimes the belief in Satya is so strong that we lose sight. Do we insist on being honest to the point of hurting someone, thus violating Ahimsa. Don’t lie, don’t betray, but recognize as Oscar Wilde said, it isn’t always simple to be truthful. Practice kind honesty.
Asteya
“If you have to lie, cheat, and steal, you just aren’t doing it right” – Donald Trump
Donald Trump, one of the wealthiest men in the world, who has seen fortune come and go and come back again, doesn’t believe in stealing. If you have to take what is not yours then you’re doing it wrong. Do not take what is not yours, whether it is a material item or credit for someone’s thoughts and ideas.
Brahmacarya
“It means something to me. You can’t just go off shagging anybody anymore. And if you could, I wouldn’t because I’m not like that.” – Vanessa, Austin Powers
Often interpreted as “celibacy”, Brahmacarya is more about keeping your connections sacred. Guard your body, heart, and mind. Don’t share your essence until you know the person you’re sharing it with is someone who you treasure.
Aparigraha
“If you’re not greedy you will go far, you will live in happiness too… like the oompa…. loompa…. doompity do.” – Oompa Loompa, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Greed is consuming, greed has consequences. Whether you’re hording money, power, or the spotlight it will come back to harm you. Don’t do it. Be like the Oompa Loompa. Be blissful by living with moderation and balance.
The Niyamas
Sauca
“Tonight’s lecture: ‘What’s wrong with celebrating sobriety by getting drunk?’” Betty, 28 Days
Cleanliness and purity….yes this is Sauca. However, it also goes further for me. Be introspective about what you’re doing to your body and mind. Are you working against yourself? Do you make it through a gorgeous and detoxifying session of yoga to then go out for martinis, bar food, and gossip? If you work hard to keep yourself clean, then keep it clean.
Santosa
“The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday – but never jam today.” The White Queen in Lewis Carroll’Through the Looking Glass
Sometimes everything in the past looks great. If only you could be back there you would be happy. Or you know that once you get that raise, lose those 10 pounds, have a beautiful house, your life will be wonderful. Sure, maybe. However, Santosa isn’t about finding perfection. Santosa is knowing that life will never be what it was, it will never be what it is, however knowing you’re doing what you can and on the right path and being content there.
Tapas
“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Tom Robbins
Dedication, commitment, igniting the fire within and keeping it stoked. This is Tapas. However recognize that in our austerity we sometimes have to evolve and change in order to maintain the commitment.
Svadhyaya
“To acquire knowledge, one must study. To acquire wisdom one must observe.” - Marilyn vos Savant
The quest for knowledge is not limited to books and classes. Observe the world, observe yourself. Learn by looking our, learn by looking in.
Isvara pranidhana
“At fifteen lives had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.” Maya Angelou
Sometimes all we can do is let go. Often people recognize this in our darkest hours, surrender to your higher power and you will find the path. This is true of the brightest times in our life as well, when you’ve reached that peak, surrender to find the next path.
Leda Swann writes:
The Yamas
The Yamas are the universal vows of yoga that teach us ideal ways to relate to others (and ourselves) in the world. They are like social suggestions to help us more smoothly live lives in relationship to the world. They provide guidelines for cultivating lives of greater integrity, which can generate energy for spiritual exploration and practice. When we feel more comfortable in our own skin, we can live lives dedicated to Spirit.
Ahimsa
It is summer.
My daughter, lines up the paper
Carefully on the yellow
Wood floor.
She makes sure it is flat,
So the two tiny ants
that are walking
In what looks like circles
To us, will unknowingly make their way
Onto the paper.
When they do, she gingerly lifts
The paper, carrying it like a tray
Between chairs and toys and
Odd pices of cheese.
The ants, like two tiny
Lone letters on the white sheet..
She takes the paper
To the back
Door, opens the door with one hand,
And drops the ants
Between the rotting strands of
an old wicker doormat, closing the door
Sharply, so
They cannot return.
“They are happy now Mama,”
she says, “and they’ll find
their home.”
Ahimsa is the honoring of all life. When I practice Ahimsa, I treat each person , creature, and even non-living object with respect and appreciation. I feel that the same energy that curses and flows through them flows through me. It is like the water molecules of our planet that move from the oceans into rain clouds, into streams, into soil, into trees and humans and animals and and rivers, and back into the oceans. One molecule of water can traverse many currents of the earth before returning to the sea. My daughter knows that the miraculous energy of life that gives her life and me life, gives an ant life too.
Early in my yoga practice, when I was in shivasana, I had the experience of bathing in energy, shining and glimmering throughout my body, and knowing on a deep level that the same force is flowing through every human being on this planet, from children starving in Sudan, to workers flowing like herds on their way to work in China, from sheep farmers in Scotland to pimps in Thailand.
Ahimsa honors this precious and powerful force of energy called life no matter what the vessel. And for that reason practicing Ahimsa brings with it honoring oneself and one’s own life with as much love and compassion as one would give to another. My husband used to tell me that he appreciates how the emergency procedures on an airplane recommend that you take care of yourself, (put on your own seatbelt or oxygen mask) before attending to someone else. He would say that it mimics life… and it does if one practices Ahimsa. We must honor ourselves in order to genuinely honor the lives of those around us.
Satya
Satya is the practice of committing oneself to understand and honor the truth deep inside. Satya embraces the idea that to live in such a place of truth and honesty with oneself, brings a feeling of inner calm and alertness, as though all the cells of one’s being are lined up in a balanced and vibrant way. It brings integrity into one’s being and one’s life. When we know on every level what is true, we can decide what truths need to be spoken or acted on, and which ones do not. The practice of Satya makes it impossible to deceive oneself or others.
On a personal note, Satya is a challenging practice for me. When I speak or tell a story, I like to exaggerate and embellish whatever I am talking about. I want the tale to be more gripping or interesting… maybe more surprising or funny. Often I convince myself that what I am saying is really what happened. But inside I feel unsettled and anxious. When I am willing to describe an event exactly as it happened, I feel an enormous sense of relief and presence. I am available for whatever the next thing may be.
My son has a remarkable way of speaking what is true for him in the moment. Sometimes he will say, when his sister is yelling and screaming at him, and he appears to be just sitting gazing out the window serenely. “Actually, Mom, I am in the mood to ‘work on her.’ I am looking out the window when I know she doesn’t want me to.” How can I be angry with him when he is being so honest?
Astheya
Astheya is the practice of not stealing on any level. To practice Astheya, one must practice Satya to be deeply honest with oneself. Astheya not only means refraining from taking objects that are not one’s own, but also refraining from using people on an energetic level or psychological level.
Astheya goes on to imply a generosity that extends toward others arising from being generous with oneself. Like Ahimsa and Satya, the practice of Astheya must begin with oneself.
The practice of Astheya is not an easy one for me. I am so conditioned to attend to and be generous with other people, I often leave myself with very few reserves. And sometimes leaving myself with so little energy means I take without asking from others. An example is in the area of time. I pack my schedule so tightly that I rarely am punctual. I ending making others wait for me or be late to their next engagement.
Bramacharya
Bramacharya is often translated as sexual responsibility and moderation. However, the practice of Bramacharya extends into using one’s energy in all areas of life with moderation and balance. Bramacharya requires honesty and clarity with oneself. Am I eating or drinking too much? Am I spending moderately? Is my schedule a balanced one? The practice of Bramacharya helps us preserve our energy so that is is not used wastefully or unconsciously. Like the other Yamas, Bramacharya builds on Ahimsa. We must revere and honor our vital life energy enough to make an effort to preserve it.
Bramacharya is a difficult practice for people in our modern culture. I see in myself the tendency to think that every part of my day must be scheduled. I am worried that I will seem lazy if I am not busy. When I do have days that are not full, I have difficulty just being with myself rather than filling my time with unimportant tasks that seem important in the moment.
Asparigraha
Asparigraha refers to the practice of non-possession, of knowing on a deep and innate level that nothing belongs to anyone, and that indeed everything is part of a great and vital force that many people call the Divine. Last year when my middle son was eight and we were waiting for his piano lesson, the afternoon sun shining silver through the sycamore leaves, under which we lay, he said, ”You know, Mom, I think the earth itself is alive, like a huge being, and each of us is a small part of that whole.”
When one really lives from the place that ultimately no thing and no creature belongs to any single one of us, and indeed we are all part of a whole, then life feels truly abundant. We can appreciate the great mountains with their sharp and snowy lines of rock, the streams that come dark and fast from their peaks in the spring, the animals that linger in the orange twilight, and even the gifts that some people have that we may not share. We can appreciate the lives we have been given, and the way that our lives are so blessed to be sewn and woven among many small pieces of a great whole.
The Niyamas
The practice of the niyamas takes the energy that is generated and preserved by practicing the Yamas, and focuses that energy on cultivating a relationship with the Divine through spiritual study and practice. In examination of the Niyamas, one sees that they often describe states of being that come once in a lifetime, or that mature with years of practice.
Saucha
Saucha is translated roughly as purity. To me it means a commitment to self-growth in which we focus on simplicity and clear openness in our hearts. Saucha is a practice of continuous attending to the ways that we speak to others, the ways that we speak to ourselves, and the way we treat our bodies. When we speak from the depth of our hearts the way a child might speak in awe of a sunset, we experience freedom and joy. When we treat ourselves with clarity and love, we find the great appreciation for the small things in life.
Santosha
Santosha is the contentment and serenity that comes with the practice of the yamas It is a feeling of acceptance and joy that is created when our relationship with other people and with ourselves are in line with our integrity and our spiritual lives. It is an inner peace that comes when we have committed a portion of our lives to our spiritual practice, and we realize that indeed, our whole life is a spiritual practice.
When I first met my Zen teacher I was amazed at the sparkle in his eye. He could talk about the most difficult and painful experience in one sentence, and a few minutes later he would be telling a joke and cracking himself up as he told it. His experience of Santosha made his humor and joy completely accessible to him.
Tapas
Tapas is the powerful energy and focus that are created when a person is balanced and committed to a spiritual path, one that includes the yamas or similar vows. People who practice a lot and have committed themselves with great intention and humility to living a spiritual life have a certain fiery quality about them. It seems that most of what they do is done with such intention and focus, that it becomes larger that life. Whatever such a person does, she does with one hundred percent of her being. She radiates a brightness of intention and attention, and the light of the Divine shines around and through her.
Swadhaya
Swadhaya refers to the examination and study of spiritual principles through the exploration of sacred texts, through self-study and understanding, and through observation of the natural world. It is a practice that happens organically as one’s life becomes more congruent with one’s spiritual interests and desires. By studying sacred texts, practicing meditation, and delighting in nature, one becomes more and more connected to the eternally peaceful and present place inside each of us.
Ishvara Pranidhana
Ishvara Pranidhana is giving oneself completely to whatever one understands as God or the Divine. The more completely a person dedicates oneself to connecting deeply with
this powerful energy of life, the more in love she falls with the unseen, yet deeply felt, energy of the Divine.
Lisa DeCaire writes:
Yamas- Discovering and Honoring Your Authentic Self
I wouldn’t trade anything to go back to being twenty something. Ever. I might have had more fun, but is was definitely done in an irresponsible manner. I am just now getting to the juicy center of my life. The questions, as well as the answers have meaning. All the tough times of early life really have taught something and I am just now understanding the lessons. Our lives are much like that of trees. A sapling can grow tall quickly, but it is only with age that it becomes sturdy and mighty. As we grow we become more knowledgeable about ourselves and our other neighbors that share the forest.
Ahimsa- “I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.” (I am the Walrus, McCartney, Lennon) Be kind to and respectful of all things. In doing so, you are being kind to and respectful of yourself.
Satya- Honesty, living with truth. If you are honest with yourself and others, there is no need to be anything other than you.
Astheya- Generosity. When we give, we also receive. Think of a time when you put forth a bit more effort for the good of the group or to help out a friend. Rewards can be as small as a smile or as simple as a thank you.
Bhramacharya- This is similar to the Golden Rule of “Treat others the way in which you would like to be treated,” except with a twist; Treat yourself the way in which you would like to be treated OR how you would treat others. We are sacred creatures we need to honor our needs and treat ourselves with care. Sometimes we are kinder to others than we are ourselves. That is an unfair habit. I have often pushed myself to hard and gotten sick or broken down. We need to treat our minds and bodies with respect. We need to be aware of our limits and how far we try to extend beyond them. Likewise, we need to respect this in others. Everyone deserves a break from time to time. We need to live in balance to be our best self.
Aparigraha- Find and appreciate beauty in the details. Life sometimes calls us to focus on the little things. From time to time I have to remind myself that while I may not have everything I want, I truly do have everything I need.
Niyamas- Along the Path, There are Rainbows and Detours
Just like in yoga, at some point in life we need to hug into the mid line. We need to pull in, hunker down and take a good look at our insides and beyond. The Sutras teach us that the Divine resides within each one of us. Sometimes the journey of self discovery is easy. Other times we have to dig deep, to tap into strength we were unaware we possessed, in order to conquer the top of a peak or forge through a dark valley. Either way, we are never alone for we are one with the Divine. Accepting and nurturing that amazing power can be tricky.
Saucha- Never stop the process of learning and self discovery. We are on a journey to know ourselves. We need to be in tune with our body, thoughts and emotions. We need to acknowledge and explore our connection to ourselves and trust in it. Connection and understanding of oneself helps build happiness.
Santosha- True happiness lies within. If you are content with yourself, that is enough. Someone was asked, “If you could marry anyone in the world, who would it be?” And they replied, “Me.” I love this because it’s true. The only person that can take care of yourself and treat your properly is you. My Dad once told me that I needed to be good friends with myself. That was good advice, for I am never alone.
Tapas- Just as yawning is contagious, so are smiles. By finding joy in the details, your life will never be empty. Remember to share the joy from the inside out. Make it contagious.
Svadyaya- Introspection and outward mindfulness. Take time to be quiet with yourself and listen. Be present in your interactions with others and be aware of your behaviors. You are your best teacher.
Ishvara Pranidhana- Know that something greater lies within you. This is our relationship with the Divine, which is in all of us. “I am not like you, I am like you, I am nothing but you,” as Douglas Brooks would say. A heart automatically pumping blood; breath that continues while we sleep, how could we be anything but Divine?
Scott Rodwin writes:
The Yamas and Niyamas represent the 1st and 2nd limb of the eight limbs of yoga as described by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras.
_______________________________________________________________________
Yamas [how we relate to the world] – this portion of the Sutras comes first in order to give us individual context and establish our relationship within existence (the world). This sets the stage to use to help us figure out who we are and serves as a tool for self-reflection.
Ahimsa - Non harming/non-violence. This practice extends beyond abstaining from physical violence to what we eat, how we speak, and every aspect of the energy we put out into the world.
Satya – Truthfulness/non-ignorance. Unclouded perception. Benevolent speech.
Asteya – Non-stealing; this can apply top non-material things as well, such as not taking credit for something you didn’t do.
Bhramacharya – Appropriate use of vital essence; sacred sexuality; appropriate intimacy; and in the strictest interpretation, chastity
Aparigraha – Non-hording (this can apply to non-physical things too)
________________________________________________________________________
Niyamas [how we relate to ourselves] – this portion of the Sutras comes first in order to give us individual context and establish our relationship within existence (the world). This sets the stage to use to help us figure out who we are and serves as a tool for self-reflection.
Saucha – Cleanliness. Of body (inside and out), mind, speech. Purity. Other methods include mudras, Pranayama and tarka (self reflection on our daily behavior). Clearin’ the gunk out.
Santosha – Contentment; Not wanting more stuff than you actually need.
Tapas - Burning off of the dross (impurities) through effort
Svadyaya –Self-reflection; introspection; observation of “who this ‘who’ is”.
Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender; alignment with the flow of life
Ashley Maureen Hall writes:
The Yoga Sutras – Yamas and Niyamas … In my own words …
the Yamas … from the eye of your heart you will see the world … and the Yamas
are not only about how you interpret the world around you, but your
relationship with it … “to get to yourself you have to come from somewhere”
Ahimsa … My understanding of practicing ahimsa, and all aspects of the yamas
and niyamas, is less about restraint and more about cultivating the most organic
essence of ourselves to radiate awareness and open our hearts.
Ahimsa is LOVE. It is the fire of acceptance, compassion, and consciousness that
burns in each of us. We ARE inherently good, and kind, and capable of receiving
the world and its gifts openly, without judgment, and most importantly without
fear. When love is your foundation, all good things will follow, and if they don’t
because the Universe is constantly changing and pushing back (and not always
in our favor), it is returning to love that will guide you to push back. LOVE is
where we begin and end.
Satya …
Satya is TRUTH. It is important to understand that there is often a juxtaposition
between what is real truth, and how we perceive it. This juxtaposition occurs
because we are humanly invested in an emotional sense to our perceptions and
beliefs – everyone has positive and negative experiences, societal influences,
and “skeletons” that may cloud our interpretations, or harden us. It is not to say
that we are “wrong” because of these perceptions, or there is a clearly
delineated right and wrong, but it is invaluable to approach the world with
humility. When you are able to establish an awareness in yourself that serves
honesty and integrity, you are more willing to soften to the world. Honest
thought, communication, and action with ourselves will always serve us fully, it
is what we deserve – it is from here that we learn to approach the world
honestly and respectfully.
Asteya …
Asteya is generosity of the heart. Give, give, give – this is not only in a material
sense, but becoming aware of how much you have to give as a loving, kind,
grounded person. When you approach your needs and wants with honesty, you
will grow your grateful garden loud and proud! You will begin to look around
you and recognize all that you have, and not what you’re lacking. We can resist
becoming products of our societal surroundings – consumerism and natural
competition swarm us with an insatiable need to compare. This is not to say that
we never need anything and the well in our hearts is always full, but when you
give back and live in generosity you will find your well does not empty in a way
that causes you to feel exhausted and desperate – this is because the source is
not beyond us, but within us. In terms of material possessions, and amassing
wealth (which we have been born and bred to do as the ‘American Way’) – LEARN
TO LET GO. Find freedom in less, because the notion of MORE is a long,
winding, and infinite road. We worry less, and are calmed by the waning of our
desires.
Bramacharya …
Bramacharya is balance. When we live in balance and moderation, we are much
less rattled when the Universe pushes back. We breathe, root down, and grow
into the space of knowing that there is opportunity in everything, and that we
will survive. When we feel aligned with ourselves and the Universe, than balance
and moderation satisfy us, we feel at peace. Learn your limits, and understand
when you are depleting yourself emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and
physically. It is in these depleted states that we may experience distance from
our essence, from our vital energy. We begin to fall out of conscious connection
with ourselves, and by default the world around us. We are in a constant state of
needing something – again, we become focused on what is beyond us as our
source, instead of going inward to engage our strength and vigor. Find the space
in your life to expand!
Aparigraha …
Aparigraha is the simple lesson of ‘less is more’. Many people suffer with feeling
empty, or with having a void – it is so often that we try to fill this void by
looking for fullness and security in “things”, or becoming obsessed with having
lots of friends, being healthy and fit, having success in a career, and being
“liked” or having a reputation – we feel entitled to these things, and put
immense pressure on ourselves to acquire them – none of them are inherently
bad, but when we are driven to them with superficial intention, or creating them
only to take from them, we will repeatedly end up unhappy and dissatisfied.
People often avoid the challenge of going inward and establishing a relationship
with themselves because it is easier to define who they are by building external
parameters. It is not the world that labels you, it is you that labels you.
Aparigraha is about living in the way of love and freedom – if the Universe is
constantly pulsing and changing and contracting and expanding, then isn’t
everything within in? When you recognize that things will come and go, and
practice non-attachment, you find freedom in looking at the world as a place of
bountiful beauty and nourishment. Fullness of heart will guide you to a place of
fullness in your life.
the Niyamas … choosing to live in a way that guides us inward, to live and love
ourselves in a way that creates freedom in the heart. The Yamas are about
discovering the pulse of the divine, and the Universe in ourselves – because
ultimately it is in the pulsation of the Spirit that we are able to find and connect
with the fundamental essence of self. The relationship that we have with
ourselves is the foundation upon which all our other relationships our built.
Saucha …
My interpretation of Saucha is constantly nurturing mindfulness. When one puts
forth effort in continually returning to mindfulness they are able to approach the
world with positive energy and honest intention. In terms of purity – when we
speak, think, and act with awareness and acute consideration for other people
and spaces we are acting in pure heart – a pure heart is the reflection of the
self. When you join the flow in this way you will find that the many energies of
life and experience begin to dance in a way that nurtures you back. There is
unending joy to be found here. “Saucha is the purity deep within our own heart
that resonates as our guide to knowing.”
Santosha …
Santosha is contentment … perfection is an illusion, contentment is what we are
really seeking, but it is not something to be found beyond us, it is within us.
Recognizing yourself as existing in the vastness of all other things is the root to
acceptance in many ways … ‘tat tram asi” – thou art that. when you learn to be
receptive and tap into the vastness, “all vibrations will come to you”. faith is
born of this seed, of this wisdom, and from faith, from knowing, comes joy.
Tapas
Tapas … purifying one’s life by practicing devotion sincerely and with great
intention. the Tapas of Body, Mind, and Speech refer to living with deep
spiritual intention – actions that are guided by integrity, self-respect, and
kindness. thoughts that are guided by care, purity, and calmness. speech that is
guided with honesty and serenity – whether in communication, or prayer and
mantra. thoughts influence actions and speech, and visa versa we are able to
affect thoughts by use of right speech in mantra or prayer. above all, it is from
the heart that we act, think, and speak – we reveal our heart through these
vehicles, letting our inner light shine – your desire to be what you are, and be
what you want – to be organic, to be your truth!
Svadyaya
Svadyaya … introspection … guiding yourself to yourself through self-reflection
… examining the truth of yourself through the lens of yourself – this can be a
very scary place because then we desire to take responsibility by removing the
veils that bind us to the safety of our illusions. as you become more conscious
and accepting of the self, the reality that you were relying on will shift. Self-
study also encompasses maintaining a relationship with the teachers, practices,
and scriptures that will help us to understand the meaning of what we are
learning about the self, and in effect about the Divine.
Iswara Pranidhana
Iswara Pranidhana is stepping into the flow. turning yourself not to god, but to
your most essential life force – it is here that you experience the Divine in
yourself as the pulsation of everything in the world – you find union. the energy
of life in yourself is the energy in everything. honor the prana. devote yourself
to the love, compassion, and peace deep within your heart – then make it all an
offering …
Anna Applebaum writes:
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a foundational text of Yoga. There is some discussion as to whether or not Patanjali had help or was the single author. These sutras help us to examine our habit patterns and attitudes and whether they are serving ourselves and thus the collective. The sutras are divided into five books. The second book is called the sadhana pada. This book refers to the foundation of practice. It offers us clear points to reflect upon. In this book the Astanga or eight limbs of yoga practices are described. The first two are yama and niyama. The yamas are the ways in which we relate to others. The Niyamas are the ways in which we relate to ourselves. They are also translated to mean reflection of our true nature (yama) and evolution toward harmony (niyama.) Usually in our culture we say that you have to do work on yourself before you give back to another. It is interesting that Patanjali lists the yamas before the niyamas. If the yamas are indeed meant to be a reflection of our true nature than it can be said that our relationship with ourselves already exists, it is just that we have forgotten our true divine nature. The yamas and niyamas are about helping us to align ourselves, teaching us to remember our true nature so that we can offer that back into the collective. There are 5 yamas. They are ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya and aparigraha. Ahimsa, means non-harming. If we look at this concept in the positive, we see that it is saying not only don’t hurt, but it is suggesting that we have intentional compassion for others. Within this compassion WE are also included. By experiencing compassion and love for all we are brought closer to the truth that we are the other. This yama is very closely related to the second yama, satya. Satya means truthfulness. Satya means to speak the truth BUT be mindful that speaking this truth does not cause someone suffering. Satya, thus contains the essence of ahimsa in it. It is better to say nothing than to speak the truth that wounds another. I know when I am in truth when I feel an embodied fullness and often this fullness is accompanied by tears. The third yama is asteya. Asteya means only take what belongs to you. It also implies generosity and honesty. This yama also contains the seed of the prior yama. Asteya could also be said to mean to give back. The fourth yama is brahmacarya. I have seen brahmacarya translated as “to walk around with Truth.” This yama deals with responsible behavior with respect to the goal of moving towards the Truth in relationship. This goal of moving towards truth requires constant inquiry into our relationships and whether or not they help us towards Truth. Aparigraha is the fifth yama. It means non-hoarding, non-coveting, awareness of enoughness, and fufillmment. This yama shows us that we need only take what is necessary and what we have earned. It also points to the idea that it is good to live simply so that others may simply live.
The niyamas are the ways in which we treat ourselves. There are 5 niyamas. The first niyama is saucha. Saucha can be translated to mean cleanliness. But saucha does not only mean cleanliness in terms of keeping ourselves clean; it means purity of heart and mind, honoring yourself so much that you are able to see your own divinity. Everything becomes divine, purified and clean when viewed without a veil. Santosha means being content with what we have and accepting what happens. Santosha is different than perfection. This niyama has helped me to take challenging situations, that are less than perfect and allow these moments to be my teacher. Santosha is also an invitation to believe that we are enough. It is also the niyama that allows us to wake up to the beauty that is always around us that we often fail to see. Tapas, the fourth niyama, means to burn, to shine, or to effort from the inside out. It is the sweat, or the offering, produced by effort and practice. It is our the offering of our gifts. It is the hard work of repetition that allows us to polish our gifts so that we can offer them back to the universe. Swadhaya is your study of yourself. Taking the time to become introspective allows this niyama to come to frutition. I feel this niyama when I stay with myself in the spaces in between point A and point B. Iswara Pranidhana means turning to God. The interesting thing about this niyama is that the Yoga Sutras are without a guru or a doctrine. Turning to God is the turning inward to see the divine within ourselves.
Chris Walderhaug Writes:
Yama – Be your whole, true self in the world
The first of the eight limbs of Asthaanga Yoga, the principles of Yama provide ideas for living in alignment with our inherent goodness.
- Ahimsa – Live gently and with compassion towards yourself and all things
In practicing Ahimsa we become more conscious of our own kind nature and tread lightly upon the earth. Living from this place of respect for all things our conscience may be at peace.
[Don’t harm]
- Satya – Seek the heart’s truth and act with truthful intention
Satya asks us to live honestly and in awareness of thoughts, words, actions, as well as our relationships in the world. Then the mind and heart are free. [Don’t lie]
- Astheya – Generosity of spirit gives back
The principle of Astheya speaks to the joy experienced in sharing our selves with integrity: materialistically, mentally, and spiritually. [Don’t steal]
- Brahmacharya – Celebrate and nurture human and divine natures
Brahmacharya proposes a life of balance. We can see this idea reflected in the patterns of nature as the seasons come and go – seeming to know the right time, place, and amount of energy to share. [Live in moderation as a right path]
- Aparigraha – Gratitude for what the moment offers
Aparigraha tells us that we need not live from a place of lack. There is enough; we need only feel it. [Don’t be greedy – experience gratitude]
Niyama – Movement toward wholeness
The second limb of Asthaanga’s eight-fold path, the NIyama are intended to help us cultivate positive attitudes. If we approach life with a calm mind and open heart we create more peace.
- Saucha – Live simply, surface your gifts, and find joy
The idea of Saucha suggests we know and trust our hearts to guide us toward living joyfully. Choices and directions advised by the heart can lead to light living and laughter.
- Santosha – Everything’s okay – accept what is
Starting where and how you are, know that it is enough. Santosha guides us toward faith in a Divine Self. It’s all right to be at peace and content with oneself and others – it will even lead to joy.
- Tapas – Engage body, mind, and speech to polish gifts
Focus inner energy towards thoughts and behaviors that bring out your light and gifts. Sacred rituals will help remove impurities of body, mind, and thought. Practice body Tapas with deep spiritual intention; mind Tapas with gentle, kind thoughts; speech Tapas through consciously choosing your words (i.e. mantras).
- Swadhaya – Invest in self-knowledge to know Divine Self
We seek a reflection of ourselves looking outwardly to others and the world. If we also spend time alone, considering our true nature through inner reflection, it’s possible to gain wisdom and insight. “Study brings us wisdom, wisdom brings us life.” – Rabbi Hillel
- Iswara Pranidhana – Believe in wholehearted dedication to each moment of the Divine plan.
Acknowledging and respecting a higher intelligence – whatever it may be named – can help us accept our limitations and life as it is. It takes faith, each moment, just as life happens one moment at a time.
Katherine Homes Writes:
The Yamas and Niyamas
Yama is the reflection of our true nature. It is the way we relate to the world around us and to under stand that it is a relfection of ourself. The Niyamas are the way we relate to ourselves.
There are Five Yamas: Ahimsa, Satya, Astheya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha.
Ahimsa is the way we have reverence, love and compassion for all beings on this Earth. It is the way in which we engage in the world around us in a non harming way. The biggest disservice is to not practice Ahimsa towards myself. If one has love and appreciation for oneself, if one truly loves oneself and honors their truth then they are in a space of honoring other truths. To allow everyone to live their truths is to practice Ahimsa. I don’t believe that I need to eat meat in order to survive, this is my belief, I honor that, I also honor that there are others in this world that believe they DO need meat to survive. This is their belief. I believe that in order to have peace in this world we need to honor all others and their ways of living. This is a necessary approach to a peaceful world.
Satya is the absence of falsehood and full truth. It’s to seek knowledge and educate ourselves. It’s about becoming tuned in with ourselves and figuring out what questions are worth asking and if the answers are something we are ready to hear. How tuned in our way in order to listen, to hear the truth? Are we ready to hear the truth? There is much in this life time we are not ready to see, hear or discover. If you don’t believe in something it can not exist. To believe in the full truth allows the universe to present it to us….. but are we ready? Would we be able to see it? Would we be able to accept it?
Astheya is non-stealing , generosity and extending one’s resources. Do you engage with someone, speak to someone, live in this world to add value and love or do you diminish it’s worth? Do we live fully, openly, honestly? Do we give all of who we are to ourselves and to eachother? Do we gift upon our deepest gifts to all those who we love? Do we share ourselves, our love, our laughter enough?
Brahmacharya is the appropriate way to maintain balance with life. It’s honoring your part with it, to honor co creation but to go with the flow. To honor all sides, all emotions, all of who you are is to be balanced. To take charge but to also retreat. This is balance.
Aparigraha is a non-hoarding approach to life. To not hoard old and servesless feelings or emotions. To not hoard food, materials, people or love. To lose un-healthy attachments to ideas and concepts, old lovers and false beliefs. To remain free and without baggage so that life can flow through you not against you.
Niyama is the evolution towards harmony with oneself.
Saucha is simplicity and cleanliness. To be clear of saturation, soiled thoughts and beliefs, to be pure and simple. To be of the purest heart. To move through yourself, all emotions, to experience all of yourself, sadness, joy, heartache, and so on, is to dive into to your heart or purity. To have simplicity and blend in with that of nature. I think of snow on deadened winter leaves. I think of plants emerging out of the soil in spring. I think of the complexity but simplicity and think of Saucha.
Santosha is to have contentment. To grow roots and become still in the life that you live. To have contentment to where you are and to not seek but to find and discover. To understand perfection in the now and realize that what ever is in this present moment is enough. To feel that you are already perfect, that life is already perfect and to enjoy the process, the journey and not the “rewards” To make peace with what is offered to you, what life presents you, to understand that everything is already beautiful, divine and there is nothing else that is needed, this is Santosha. But to realize this is to realize the perfection and divine within you, that you are already one with yourself, with each other and the world around you. We are all the same, there is no separation and so there is nothing to seek out.
Tapas is to burn or shine from the inside out. To find the truth and become your truth, to rediscover yourself through effort, commitment and to become clear. When heat is transmitted outward you are clearing away stagnation, layers and things that don’t serve you. You are then able to tap into your Saucha.
Svadyaya is self study. It is the time you spend with yourself to work on yourself. To be introspective and look at oneself deeply and honestly. It’s the hardest thing for oneself to do. It is difficult to look at the very core of who you are, all the things you haven’t made peace with yet, stare them in the eye and bow down in respect. To honor all of the selves that is within you. To discover the divine within is what happens when you have Swadhaya.
Ishvara Pranidhana is to surrender yourself over to the essential life force to give in to the life of prana. I also feel like all of these are also touching on Ishvara Pranidhana.
Karen Caswell writes:
Yamas
The Yamas are ethical observances that serve to guide how one relates to and engages with the world; i.e. friends, relatives, strangers, home, community, planet, etc. The Yamas acknowledge the inherent value and importance of the external environment as fertile ground for learning about and accessing one’s inner self. The Yamas invite us to move through life with greater kindness, awareness and depth, because how we relate to our surroundings reflect what we are cultivating and elevating in importance within.
Ahimsa
Ahimsa encourages us to be kind and treat all things, including self and others, with care, respect, honor and reverence. It asks us to greet life with non-discriminate curiosity, gentleness and kindness, always remembering that we are part of a greater whole, or web, and whatever we do to this web, we do to ourselves. By regarding all living beings as inextricably interwoven and interconnected, the essence of ahimsa is love.
Satya
Satya inspires us to be honest with ourselves and others. It encourages us to meet life with joy because our truth is enlivening and the journey of seeking truth is exciting! Satya compels us to be authentic, to genuinely express our thoughts, feelings and emotions, accepting ourselves from a deep place within. There is nothing to be ashamed of or hide; the truth of the self and the world is beautiful. When we engage the world with honesty and integrity, we simultaneously give others permission to do the same.
Asteya
Asteya asks us to remember our integrity, our value and inherent worth. It incites us to recall our innate gifts, to know that we have enough, and to know that we are enough, just as we are. Life is abundant, yet many people do not resonate with their own inner riches. Just as each person is a gift to world, that gift can become diminished in value if it is not given freely, or often. Asteya invites us to share the gift of who we are with each other.
Bhramacharya
Bhramacharya invokes a sense of responsibility around intimacy. It asks that we maintain appropriate boundaries with others, joyfully honoring ourselves and others. Intimacy is sacred and highly personal, it is not something to be used to cause harm to others. Bhramacharya reminds us to be aware of ourselves in space, and to regard the space in which others inhabit as equally important. It asks us to pay attention to our physical impact on others, as well being mindful of just how close we get to others, and how close we let others near us. Invading and disrespecting others’ space physically, verbally and sexually, or allowing others to do so to you, can leave one deeply harmed and scarred.
Aparigraha
Aparigraha means to take only what is necessary. This term invites one to live with simplicity and to rest in the benefits it provides. By taking only what we truly need we live in alignment with ahimsa. By recognizing our impact on others, on a daily or momentary basis, we allow more resources for others to enjoy. When we live with less greed, grasping and hoarding of goods we have a more sustainable and supportive future for others…for all of those who are connected to us in the web of life.
Niyamas
The Niyamas are ethical observances which guide us in how we engage with and relate to our inner world.
Saucha
Saucha encourages an upliftment and exaltation of one’s inner qualities. It allows freedom for the self to express all of its beauty and often undiscovered potentialities. Saucha is traditionally described as cleaniless, purity or innocence. When our inner riches are emphasized and honored, we are able to align with our deepest desires, and most inspiring intentions, living life more fully from our hearts.
Santosha
Santosha allows us to see that all of our inner qualities are glittering jewels. Even though we may aspire to learn, develop and grow in a profound way, that even without such, we are truly enough just as we are in this very moment. Santosha does not negate growth, it simply asks us to make peace with ourselves as we are, right now. It encourages us to make friends with ourselves, and to have a sense of curiosity, wonder and levity around who and how we are in this very breath.
Tapas
Tapas is the motivation and energy that allows us to manifest our gifts. It is the inner current that enlivens and awakens us to our fullness, allowing us to open beyond our perceived limitations, and make waves in the world. Tapas is traditionally described as heat or perseverance; like flames of fire that keep us moving. Our practice of yoga, of shining out authentically to the world, over and over again, requires dedication and effort on our part. If we are devoted to raising the vibrations of consciousness around us, then attuning and aligning with ourselves in a consistent, meaningful way, helps us stay engaged in life from the depths of our fiery heart. Tapas makes our practice and engagement possible.
Svadyaya
Svadyaya invites us to witness our inner process. It asks us to be mindful of ourselves from the inside out. Svadyaya has an introspective quality. It seeks to know more about our lives, from a non-judgmental, observing perspective. Svadyaya provides us with information and it teaches us to listen deep within, to the currents which guide us. It also offers the opportunity to slow down, feel, notice and simply be with what is here. Just as we may witness the intricacies of a beautiful mandala, we too may witness the subtleties of our inner development, and the exquisite expression of our lives.
Ishvara Pranidhana
Ishvara Pranidhana asks us to surrender to that powerful, life giving force which guides us. It asks us to stay connected to the Divine source which flows through all of us.
Rebecca Norton writes:
Yamas
Ahimsa: Non Harming. This can be an ever complex concept that cannot simply be defined in black and white terms. Each individual must take a close look into all their relationships including and not limited to: how do I treat those around me? How have I not truly loved and honored myself? What is my relationship to the greater environment and human family of which I participate in consciously and unconsciously? What is my relationship to food? Sex? Love? Communication? Ahimsa is a dance of balance and contemplation towards cultivating actions which bring about more Freedom to ourselves and others. Pain is inevitable in life but it is how we each contribute to suffering towards ourselves and others that needs to be examined, in the most honest and loving way we are ready to truly reflect on all the ways we have caused harm.
Satya: Complete honesty is not just about whether or not you lied on tax forms, or for why you made another excuse for being late to work. Satya is an unconditional call to bring the focus back to you, to mind your own business, and recognize that it is your choice whether to hide the truth of who you are. How often have we each stayed in relationships with others that were no longer served the highest good of anyone? How often have we made rationalizations for why we shouldn’t follow are heart’s deepest calling? Truthfulness is not just what I did or didn’t say to you…most importantly it’s what I did or didn’t say because I was afraid to be me.
Asteya: This is one of the greatest teachings your mama ever gave you: don’t take what isn’t yours. This doesn’t just include material possessions, but non stealing also includes other people’s ideas and words and taking them for your own. If you are inspired by another person, give them credit! Take a long look at the qualities this “other” individual has that you can learn to nurture in yourself. Rather than think someone else has gifts you don’t have remember that IF YOU SPOT IT YOU GOT IT and there is no need to hoard because of the mentality that there isn’t enough love, abundance, and creativity to go around. Give thanks to all the gifts and blessings that you and others have, and it becomes easier to see clearly that you are always whole, particularly in those scarce places inside yourself—I promise there is so much richness there.
Bhramacharya: When a student or teacher initially starts to understand that we live an ever expanding and unlimited universe it is easy to spiritually by-pass the importance of boundaries. It is also easy to not have boundaries when you think you live in an imploding and limited universe. No matter what the paradigm, bharmacharya recognizes how powerful sexuality is and that we each must take responsibility for how we chose to “spread the love.” Are we really using sexuality to give and receive love and healing? Or are we fooling ourselves with empty and destructive sex drives? Healthy, loving, and supportive relationships are extremely beneficial and necessary for good health and sanity. There will probably be periods when we will need to cultivate and heal our relationship to sexuality alone. This time may be necessary so that when we do engage in sexual relationship with another it is within a container that is conscious, safe, and filled to overflow with Love. Through contemplation and honoring our truest needs it will become easier to tell the difference between sex that depletes or uplifts the Spirit.
Aparigraha: Dear One, don’t you know that all those parts of you that you would rather hide are potentially your greatest assets? Non-hoarding isn’t just about grasping to old material things and journals you probably could let go of, it’s also about examining all the ways we hoard in our own mind. In my own life I can see clearly how I have decided to not step into my power because of beliefs such as: I don’t want to make others feel insecure, I’m not really smart enough, I’m not old enough, blah blah blah. I would literally hoard my greatest God given callings because of beliefs I internalized from within or without. When we can no longer hoard not only our talents but also give light to our unconscious beliefs, well…can somebody say FREEDOM?
Niyamas
Saucha: Cleanliness, ahhh yes it would be really nice if you could shower so we all don’t have to be around your stank feet, but really it’s your choice. The real question is rally is how pure have you been creating Love and Truth today? How devoted and pure have you been in loving yourself and others? Yes loving yourself and others may mean keeping your physical body clean, but real purity takes on soooooo many forms. It’s the way you make people feel not the amazing smart things you say that they remember most about you. Therefore keep your side of the street clean, and love as purely and with as much devotion as you can—maybe to the point we don’t even notice your stinky feet anymore.
Santosha: When will enough ever be enough? Contentment is a powerful, POWERFUL practice. Even the most enlightened beings will have trouble with this one. Our minds are fixed in trying to get the next best thing or ways to enhance the moment we are in. Santosha automatically makes me think of the grief process (I have gone through grief many times in my life). In the firststages of grief I would oscillate between extremes of denial, bargaining, anger, and depression. Suddenly through many tears and failed attempts to fix the pain from the outside a complete acceptance of the loss I experienced would surround me, and I would see clearly I was exactly where I needed to be. With time, gratitude, listening to my inner guidance and many tears contentment began to become a dominant feeling. Contentment is a continual, non linear process that takes practice, unconditional love for oneself, and learning that being in the unknown is truly fantastic news.
Tapas: This niyama says one thing to me: LET’S GET INSPIRED! I can not stress enough how important it is to have a spiritual practice and discipline. Whatever it takes to bring you into even just a GLIMPSE of who you really are… DO IT. For me it is dance, yoga, prayer, and surrounding myself with amazing community and teachers. One of my favorite dance teachers one said “her sweat was her prayers” Do whatever it takes to let your inner radiance and fire into expression. We are infinite and deeply creative beings but often our culture tells us otherwise. This is why it is so important to give yourself time EVERY DAY to come home to YOU. Once you start to practice being you every day you will never want to leave home without it. WHATEVER IT TAKES TO STAY JUICY AND INSPIRED…DO IT!
Svadyaya: The greatest master is the greatest master student. This is a very courageous call into all the light and darkness dancing inside. This may mean many things such as seeing a therapist, going to a support group, making sure you spend alone time with you and your journal every day. The most important part of svadaya is that we each stay REAL. What is really going on? Who, what, where can I find support for this? What are the limits and beliefs that hold me back? What is it in me that needs to be healed?
Ishvara Pranidhana: I personally think this should be the first Niyama. Essentially this means that we must turn ourselves over to a Higher Power, that is within and all around us. Every morning I wake up and I say a prayer where I literally turn my life and will over to God. The word God means to me my highest evolution seeking to express herself. I do this every morning because I have found nothing else works. If I surrender to the mystery of what my highest good seeks for me, the day literally turns into one miracle after the other. I am not just manifesting because I want something, I manifest only if it is in the highest good. As time goes on I find more and more I am saying “Thy Will, Not Mine”. At first it is scary to surrender to Thy Will (especially if you are a control freak like me), but eventually and with practice it is completely liberating for not only myself but for the freedom of all those around me.
Anna Friday writes:
Yamas – A set of interwoven guidelines for interacting with the world around you with honest intention
Ahimsa (non-violence) The practice of holding your words, self, and actions close to your heart, and to whenever possible prevent them from bringing harm to both yourself and other beings. Through this you will foster well being towards all beings.
Satya (truthfulness) – The expression of honesty in communication and actions within relationship. Try to always be true to your inner voice, especially at times when it is not convenient or easy.
Asteya(non-stealing) – Avoidance of an excessive feeling of self entitlement and self importance, including taking anything that is not freely given and demanding or taking more than you really need.
Bhramacharya(self-restraining) – Practice self restraint and moderation in all that you do. Exhibit mindful expression of your energy, both sexual and otherwise, in a way that is true to your inner fire and at the same time not harmful to yourself or others.
Aparigraha(non-grasping) Having and holding close only what is necessary to live to your fullest, especially in relation to material goods but also to other beings. If you grasp too tightly that which you most fear will slip away, instead have an open heart and mind to whatever comes your way.
Niyamas – A set of interwoven guidelines for interacting with your own internal world to let your inner self shine and grow.
Saucha(purity) – Strive to find cleanliness in mind, body, and spirit, and to have an honest respect and love of your body and the person that you are.
Santosha(contentment) – To live in the moment, find joy and patience with where you are and all the gifts that you already have, and to not worry to a point that is destructive about that which you don’t have but think you need.
Tapas(austerity) -Have the discipline to focus your energy and be constructive, and to create a space and time in your life to focus on the divine spirit within without letting life get in the way.
Svadyaya(self study) – Find your own practice in life that creates a time of self reflection and self study through its execution. This leads us to be able to see through the veils that we put up, and better see, understand, and love our true selves.
Ishvara Pranidhana(surrender) – Allow surrender to a higher power in the divine, both within ourselves and outside of ourselves, to find beauty and peace in the world surrounding us and in the minute idiosyncrasies of life itself without letting ego get in the way.
Courtney Law writes:
Yamas and Niyamas: Many people come to yoga as a path to exercise and to pursue a purely physical activity. This is perfectly acceptable, but yoga is and can offer those who practice, much, much more. A serious yoga student should consider learning the philosophy, history, and deep spiritual aspects of yoga.
For example, the yamas and niyamas, or the Eight “Limbs” of Yoga, provide yogis with basic but profound ethical guidelines. They inform us how we might best be in the world and be with our self, something many of us struggle with. They are not directives from on high, but well-intentioned and practical recommendations for living the good life.
Yamas: the relationship we have with the world.
Ahimsa
Ahisma is a foundation by which a yogi interacts with the world around them. It calls for us to be kind, compassionate, loving and thoughtful with ourselves or others, in our actions, words or thoughts. This can be interpreted a lot of ways, from abstaining from physically hurting another to abstaining from eating meat. Or, we could simply let our consciences be our guide. Listen to and trust your intuition – you already know in your heart what is right.
Satya
Satya means we should not only speak and think the truth but also seek it. It is possible that the truth will be difficult to face or handle, yet is still must be sought. We should also strive to gain more knowledge, wisdom and truth from the world, because the truth will ultimately lead us to clarity and enlightenment.
Asteya
Asetya calls for us to be generous towards and respectful of ourselves and others, including their time and space. When we take the next step from just doing asanas to really embodying the yogic ethics, we must also consider the subtleties of our actions and thoughts.
Bhramacharya
Bhramacharya essentially calls for moderation with regards to our bodies – be this sexual, sensual, mental, physical, emotional, or otherwise – all in the quest to maintain balance. The better we treat our bodies and minds and the more we focus on maintaining a mind-body balance, the more vital we are. Think about the negative impacts excess has on our minds and bodies – excessive partying, excessive eating, etc. Is this behavior serving us on any level? Do what truly serves you and your body and you’ll find your way to the flow of the universe.
Aparigraha
Aparigraha asks us to release our tight grip on the things, ideas or people in our lives. Aparigraha encourages us to consider our possessions with attention and awareness. We must carefully consider which objects and ideas we choose to hold on to and why.
Niyamas: the relationship we have with ourselves.
Saucha
This term refers to the necessity of cleanliness – of body, of mind, and of spirit. While it’s hard to tell if cleanliness is truly next to godliness, it’s pretty intuitive to understand that a dirty body or mind is carrying extra weight or holding us back in some way. The idea here is that true cleanliness can lead us to see ourselves and our soul clearly. This sort of cleanliness could possibly require regular bathing, but also eating healthful foods; drinking clean water to flush out toxins; and removing stuck energy in our body through mediation, psychic healings, acupuncture or whatever preferred method.
Santosha
Santosha in many ways is the key to the Niyamas. It is translated as contentment, which is the feeling or sensation of having enough – not too much or too little — but just the right amount. It’s about finding a harmony with ourselves. Finding contentment has everything to do with practicing gratitude. Gratitude is a conscience choice, simple to understand, yet complicated to embody. Practice being grateful for the smallest thing in your life in any given moment, and notice how your perspective changes. A grateful heart is a content heart. It is perfectly happy with the moment it is in.
Tapas
Tapas, literally translated as heat, refers to the concept that we can burn off negative energies, clearing a path through spiritual and physical discipline, to reach enlightenment. To get here, we must first recognize that each thought or action we take is a step on our spiritual path and the more disciplined we are, the closer we become to attaining a higher level of spiritual achievement. Ultimately, becoming a purer, more spiritual being takes work, discipline and pure intentions.
Svadyaya
Svadyaya refers to self-study or introspection. This is a fundamental concept in understanding our true selves. To truly understand something it must be studied and this includes our own selves. Turning inward to discover our true selves is at once terrifying and empowering but it is a primary tool to deeper personal growth.
Ishvara Pranidhana
Ishvara Pranidhana, the final Niyama, calls for us to turn ourselves, even in a sense, surrender, to a/the higher power. For many, this is defined as God, for others, it is an understanding that the universe is infinite and divine. The idea here is not to be limited to our preconceived notions of what god is or is not, but rather open ourselves up to the possibility that god is simply divine, and that that divine nature can and does mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Ishvara Pranidhana encourages profound, whole-hearted devotion to the divine.
