Svadhyaya: Self-Study.

In our continuing discussions on the first two limbs of yoga, yamas and niyamas, we focus on the the 4th niyama, svadhyaya, self-study.

As written in Patanjali's yoga sutra, svadhyaya most literally means "the study of spiritual books for self understanding." Study of the spirit does not necessarily limit us to just written text, books, or digital content. Rather, with a regular practice (yoga asana, meditation and/or the other yogic limbs) one's own divine higher self becomes the textual, spiritual, study (Satchinanda, 2012).

Self-study is an inner journey, an act of reflection that deepens our understanding of thoughts, ideas and emotions. We align with who we really are when we attain clarity as to what makes us happy and fulfilled. Finding understanding one's true self helps to live life in a more purposeful and substantial way. Svadhyaya ensures that we are the being that we want to be in this world. We do this by bringing awareness to our actions and then act with intention. We bring awareness to how our own actions and how those actions might affect ourselves and others.

According to Seiberling (2018), bringing awareness to our actions reinforces our own integrity so that we feel good when we move through our daily world.

This is what Dr. Gail Parker calls, "stepping into yourself" (Jeffries, 2021). Finding your authentic self. Finding who you really are. As we experience life and study ourselves, this is who we have become. It is similar to santosha (contentment), but on a deeper level. We observe our contentment and act upon it. Embracing who we are and taking that next step in this stage of your life.

Personally, I have found that self-study is a lifelong commitment to learn who I am. Continuously examining, learning and growing are constantly at work in become aware of my true self. This is not an easy thing to do. It is not a one and done. Self-study is rather a life-long pursuit that continues as new layers are revealed.

What can you do to study yourself to help you step into more awareness of yourself? Meditation (might I suggest yoga nidra?), journaling, yoga asana, any physical, mental or spiritual movement that resonates as a search within yourself.

Newly Scheduled Offering

I am very excited to announce that beginning on Thursday 3/31, that's this week! I am offering a second online yoga nidra class. The class will be held on Zoom at 8:00 pm ET for one hour. It takes a slightly different approach than the Monday class in that it is specifically geared toward using yoga nidra to unwind after a day of tension, stress, and a busy life in general. Thus, the name of the new class is Yoga Nidra Unwind. This offering will allow you to do your yoga nidra practice twice per week both Monday and Thursday. Or if you find Thursday at 8:00 pm a better fit for your schedule. Purchasing a 5-pack or 10-pack will make this class more affordable.

Ongoing Offerings

Yoga nidra classes continue online at 7:30 ET Monday nights. Join me tonight for a beautiful relaxing journey that will help you to heal, relax, and de-stress for an hour.

This week Thursday, March 31 and over the next 4 weeks I will teach for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute through Eckerd College. I am online for the next 4 weeks at 2:00 pm. If an afternoon yoga nidra is your thing, this class is definitely for you. The following weeks will be a delightful one hour yoga nidra experience. If you are interested visit their website to register.

Yoga for Organizations

Using yoga and meditation techniques, I am available to support an organization's institutional mission and values tailored to the needs of employees. Meditation and yogic exercise have been shown to promote wellness that boosts employee morale, effectiveness, and productivity (Sheelu, Garg, & Rastogi, 2022). If you know someone who may be interested in setting up a meditation or yoga class for a retreat or as a regular amenity or employee benefit in their organization please forward this link to them.

Private Lessons

I continue my availability for face-to-face or online private lessons. Contact me by filling out the form at the bottom of any of my web pages..

Resources:

Adele, D. (2009). The Yamas & Niyamas (Kindle). On Word Bound Books Llc.
Jeffries, T. (2021). The Golden Age of Dr. Gail. Yoga Journal, 61–64.
Satchidananda, S. (2012). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Integral Yoga Dist.
Seiberling, C. (2018). Yoga’s Yamas and Niyamas (Kindle). Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.