Svadhyaya, self-study

Welcome to a new year and new focus for your yoga practice. I thought it would be fitting to weave in Svadhyaya, the practice of self-study, into our life this month. Svadhyaya comes from 2 words: sva- own, self, human, or soul and adhyaya- lesson, lecture, or reading. It’s the 4th niyama (personal discipline) from the 8 limbs of ashtanga yoga. It’s the practice of self-reflection by studying the “self” (ego) and recognizing one’s habits and thought processes. This allows us to realize how much of what we do and say and think are far from who we really are.

“Go into yourself and see how deep the place is from which your life flows” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

We’ll use this month to ask different questions that allow for this study of “self” (ego) to get a deeper understanding of habits and patterns that are helpful to our overall health and those that aren’t. Understanding that our true essence is NOT the mental chatter or physical body is necessary to tapping into our soul self… or higher Self. As the yoga sutras say,

“Study thy self, discover the devine” ~ yoga sutra 11.44

So the first set of questions that I’ll pose are:

• What are some themes of my mental thoughts?… are there any that bother you or challenge your everyday health?

• How do I talk to myself?

• How do I talk to others?

Watch your thoughts in meditation. Ask yourself, “how am I talking to yourself?” Then notice them during your asana practice (physical postures). See what you’re saying to yourself during the practice. Are you competing with yourself or others? Are you judging others in the room? Are you able to be kind to yourself and others? And then, see how you can take this svadhyaya practice off the mat. Notice the themes of your thoughts as you move through each day. It’s a fun practice. NO JUDGEMENTS!… just notice. This is the practice.

Join me next week for some more diving into the study of self. Sending love and gratitude!