Eight Limbs of Yoga Studies: SAUCHA

As shared in my previous post, the Niyamas represent our inner spiritual practices, made up of five Niyamas: Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, & Ishvara Pranidhana. 

♥️ Saucha ♥️
(Cleanliness)

Let's start unpacking this by considering all of the elements in our lives... our thoughts, mental health, physical body, overall health & wellness, awareness, emotional health, spiritual connections, spiritual health, our relationship with ourselves, with each other, our four legged friends, and with the Earth... ⁠
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Saucha | Cleanliness: ⁠
When we put saucha into practice, we are dedicating ourselves to a practice of cleanliness in our words, thoughts, actions, and behaviours. This might mean creating a clean and pure physical environment and then deepening the practice as we consider ways to be pure of heart and uncluttered in all of the other elements in our lives. ⁠
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Cleanliness Check-In: ⁠
What elements in your life could benefit from intentionally practicing Saucha?⁠
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In the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology trainings we focus on the process rather than the outcome. By honouring that less-truly-is-more, we allow ourselves time & space to connect with our innate wisdom... intuition. ⁠
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Would love to hear your reflections, if you are called to share!⁠

♥️ Dr. Melissa Jay
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I give thanks to my wise teacher @susannabarkataki ⁠