Purity of mind, speech and body
Niyamas [Sanskrit word] is the 2nd limb in the eight limbs of yoga as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, which are rules, observances and guidelines. To simplify, Niyamas are about the relationship we have with ourSELF.
The 5 Niyamas are Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya and Ishvara Pranidhana.
The first Niyama is Saucha, which is commonly referred to external cleanliness. However we can also extend it to internal cleansing of the mind and the inner self.
Try asking yourself…
~ How often do you clean / replace your yoga mat / clothes / towels / accessories?
~ Do you have a clutter-free space for your practice / work / sleep?
~ Do you hold on to old habits or thinking that are no longer serving you?
~ Are you consuming food that is wholesome and nourishing for your body and mind?
~How often do you judge yourself on and off the mat?
~ Are you in any toxic relationships with people who are no longer supporting your growth and development?
The practice of Saucha teaches us to remove anything that gets in the way of our (life) progress. By consistently asking ourselves in what ways can we bring greater clarity and space into our life, perhaps we can use this simple niyama to improve the quality of life (choices) overtime.
Photo Credit by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash