In this blog I am ‘Practicing’ and continuing to learn about Satya (2nd of Patañjali’s Yamas). I am a Life Long student of yoga.
Satya in Sanskrit (ancient Indo-European language of India) means Truth.
My truth is most likely very different from your truth. My past stories make me the character that I am in today’s world, otherwise known as, Alicia.
My truth is that I am imperfect and I like that trait. I don’t have all the answers. But when I get really confused about an issue that I am having then I ‘Practice’ getting very quiet. The quieter I am that’s when my Spirit usually gives me the answer that I need.
Your questions and your answers will be different form mine.
I recall many years ago driving to a yoga studio, to share the practice of Doga, with a small group of folks and their dogs. On this drive, my late husband, Bob and our dog Gus were in the car with me. We were all traveling to the yoga studio for the Doga class.
That morning I was juggling many different errands and I felt as though I had just enough time to get to the yoga studio before the people with their dogs arrived.
While driving along something told me I should’ve left a little earlier. Suddenly another car driver almost ran me off the road.
Instinctually, I put up my middle finger and stuck my finger out the window for the other driver to see. That’s when Bob remarked, “that wasn’t very yogic of you.”
I couldn’t help but laugh because Bob was completely right. He called me out by speaking his truth. Also, I laughed because Bob didn’t practice yoga much and he was only coming along, to the Doga class, to spend time with our dog.
When I reflect back on my story, of not being very ‘Yogic,’ this helps me recognize that I do have useful tools which I can use in situations where I feel off center and out of balance.
Today, my yogic tools are to ‘Practice’ by remembering Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path of Yoga.
For example let’s say that when I am driving my car again and if I have another situation where I may feel threatened by another car driver I can chose to react differently. I can recall Patañjali’s ancient teachings (which again takes practice) and not flip off the other driver. Instead recognize that I am safe from harm. Recognize that I can control my breath. I can slow my breath.
I can feel for the other driver by understanding that they may have made an honest mistake by not paying attention. l don’t know what that other driver is going through maybe they just got the worst news of their life.
I can voice my truth - Satya. I might say, ”I felt uneasy when I thought I was going to be in a car crash. I was seriously in fear of being injured. Now I realize that I am safe and I can let this situation pass.”
It sounds simple on paper and I hope I can display the teachings of Patañjali’s in my daily life. That’s why I ‘Practice.’
It helps me when I can remember to practice both of these Yamas together - to utilize Ahimsa with Satya. To speak your truth the best that you can in a non-violent way.
My last blog discussed Patañjali’s first Yama, which is Ahimsa, (please read my first blog on Ahimsa).
My next Blog will cover the third of Patañjali’s Yamas, otherwise known as, Asetya.
Also stay tuned for the ‘Release Date’ of my upcoming fictional book, dYnO’s DaNcE ~ on the Eight-Limb Path.
I am grateful to the staff at Luminare Press, in Eugene Oregon. They have been a huge support on my one-of-a-kind story, dYnO’s DaNcE.
Be a Flower,
Share your Beauty
Alicia <3
Healing Motion 123 (facebook)
Namaste 🙏
