Practicing Svadhyaya

Let’s continue to practice Svadhyaya this month and allow ourselves more time to do this “self”-reflection. The beginning of the year is such a nice time to tune in and ask yourself some deeper questions about how you’re doing and what you need for the year ahead. We talked last week about Svadhyaya being the ability to recognize that one’s habits and thoughts are NOT the essence of who we really are. They are merely conditioned responses we have learned through our lives. Not bad or good, just are! So no judgements while doing this practice. I almost like to think of it as becoming friends with your “self” (ego) as a way to understand your higher self. I love this quote from the Gita:

“Yoga is the journey of the self (ego), through the self (ego), to the Self (higher self/soul)” ~ Bhagavad Gita

Here are some questions that you can use in your Svadhyaya practice this week:

• How am I? (physically, mentally, and emotionally)

• Where am I? (In life, in relationship to others, in career)

This is a reminder that we can use the Svadhyaya practice to really appreciate our smaller self (ego) and see beyond our thoughts and habits. You can ask these questions at the beginning of your meditation practice or throughout your asana (physical postures) practice. Whatever comes up, remember they are just one element of “you,” but not the full essence of your being. I leave you with this beautiful quote:

“Self observation is the first step of inner unfolding” ~ Amit Ray

Have appreciation and patience for your inner unfolding. It’s all a part of living this life. Join me next week as we continue the study of “self.”

Sending love and gratitude!