The fourth Niyama, or guideline for inner peace, after the progression of cleanliness, contentment, and discipline, is Svadhyaya, which means Self Study.
This is the principle that encourages us to deepen our yoga practice way beyond the mat.
Svadhyaya is an invitation to go deeper into learning about who you really are, in order to help you find your True Purpose here. Quite frankly, it's an invitation to Check YoSelf! Take your Yoga off the mat. By studying our own habits and patterns we take a closer look at how our thoughts and beliefs shape our lives. We start to recognize what we really are and also what we are not, or do not want to be. We start to see how some of our behaviors don’t really align with our true purpose and can even cause us harm. Maybe we have been following mainstream ideas because they are popular, even if they do not serve our highest Self. This is why yogis are encouraged to reflect and journal often. It’s one thing to read about the path to enlightenment, but you reach a whole new level when you dive in and can apply the teachings. Your mind opens to new possibilities when you can look within with a deeper understanding of why you do the things you do. This is where you find opportunities for growth. “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the Self.” –Bhagavad Gita Svadhyaya requires a new level of paying attention, being able to question and identify your own intentions. Most people avoid questioning their own actions, as it implies change, and that means more work, and we don’t often like that! AND we know that change is inevitable, and you can either drive it or get run over by it! It’s better to jump into the messy mud of change than pretend it doesn’t exist! This is the only way to grow. Now is the time to investigate your actions and determine which come from Ego and which come from listening to your true Self. You can start in meditation. The Cloud Meditation is really helpful here as we allow images and attachments to come and go. It helps us identify what is at the forefront of our attention so we may adjust accordingly. Join me, and let's see what comes up for you...
CLOUD MEDITATION
Practice self awareness and non attachment with tis quick visualization exercise.
So, check yoSelf ! This is the only way to make sure you are on the right path...
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