Let’s Chat . . . About Thought Management and Self Regulation!

And now for the NIYAMA, guidance on our internal work!

The second of the Eight Limbs of Yoga are the Niyama, which have to do with self-discipline and spiritual observances. Saying grace before meals or prayer before bed, developing your own personal meditation and/or yoga practices, taking contemplative walks in nature, regularly attending temple or church services, studying sacred texts and even just turning off your cell for periods of time are all examples of the Niyama in practice.

And let me say again that, while the Yama and Niyama (and the Eight Limb Path of Yoga) are tenets of Yoga Philosophy, which was birthed from the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, I feel such resonance with the concepts and guidance they provide. This is about our spirituality, mindfulness, self-regulation, thought management and finding our inner compass . . . not about religion. There are 5 NIYAMA.

The first Niyama is SAUCHA: Purification of our body, our thoughts, and our words. As we purify ourselves physically and mentally, we become clearer of toxins, distractions and clutter. We gain clarity to meet each moment with integrity and freshness. Purification brings about a brightness and clarity to our presence. Lightening the load we all carry. Marie Kondo, anyone?!

“There is a great energy that lies, mostly dormant, within each of us. This is the energy of consciousness or awakening. We’ve all felt the movement of this energy at times: moments when tears silently well in our eyes; when beauty captures us in wonder; when well-being oozes from our pores; when our life force pulses like electricity making us young & vibrant; when deep wisdom bathes it’s light on our problems. These are examples of what the jewel of SAUCHA unlocks.” Deborah Adele

Our next Niyama teaches us to find the middle ground between Not Seeking, and Not Avoiding.