Saucha

I am a life long student of yoga. The reason I write about Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path of Yoga is so I can learn how to intertwine these ancient yogic teachings into my modern day life.

After many years working full time as a firefighter I had reached a phase in my career which resulted in high stress and a feeling of being ‘burnt out.’ I knew I must move on and find a new career path. That’s when I discovered yoga teacher training.

Patañjali’s Eight-Limbs of Yoga were first introduced to me in my Yoga Teacher Training class of 2011.

Hearing the wisdom within the Eight-Limbs immediately brought a sense of ease into my chaotic life.

Today, when I am struggling to ‘Tune-In’ to the Eight-Limbs I take a moment and PAUSE. This takes practice.

As you know our busy lives can constantly be surrounded by stimulus. But if we are aware of the harm that too many distractions can create, within us, then we can choose a different channel. Better yet we can choose to disconnect.

Patañjali’s ancient teachings help a person move towards a calm connection to their highest Truth/Spirit/God.

This blog will take a step into the 2nd Limb of Patañjali’s teachings known as the Niyamas.

Niyamas (recommended habits for healthy living) have five sub principles. The first principle is Saucha.

Saucha translates to cleanliness. I’ve experienced the word cleanliness to have a much deeper meaning than just simply cleaning out your closet or car.

If I feel a struggle by trying to bring my mind and body to a place of pureness (cleanliness) I pause. Then I remember my yogic tools.

One helpful yogic tool that I have utilized to bring me to a state of feeling clean (pure) is meditation. Before I began my meditation I will be sure to de-clutter any mess in my home or car, etc... for this helps me to clean/clear or de-clutter the mess in my mind. I start with a Centering Pranayama (breathing technique)

for example: Sama Vritti

Sama (even) Vritti (fluctuations) this breath-work will help you to even out the fluctuations of your breath and therefore your mind.

“Breath is the King of the Mind” BKS Iyengar

Another great yogic tool I utilize often is an outdoor Silent Walking/Hiking Meditation.

Recently, we went on a hike in the forest. For much of the hiking trail I was able to hike Silently. I experienced each step as I connected to my smooth steady even breath.

I counted: Inhaling 1,2,3,4,5 and Exhaling 1,2,3,4,5. As I repeated this for several minutes and continued to move along I experienced a connection to my Spirit.

There are many ways to meditate. I believe that you’ll find a style that works for you.

Here’s to practicing.

Be a Flower,

Share your Beauty <3

Namaste

🙏

Alicia

@lishvalentyn

Note: (the above photo... credit goes to an unknown

owner from internet... Thank you!) :-)