February Theme of the Month

After January’s theme of working with the five yamas – the codes of conduct or moral disciplines for the right way to live we are now moving on the five niyamas which are more observances for healthy living and a deeper meaningful existence.

The yamas can be seen more as harmonising with the world around you and the niyamas can be seen as harmonising with yourself and inner purification although we can also think of them as harmonising the outside world too. I’ve been doing some philosophy reading a lot lately and have also found some useful information online especially from the Think Gita site.

Incorporating some of the yamas and niyamas into your everyday life are the foundation for a meaningful and life changing path. Living according to these principles start to bring peace, joy and understanding to your world.

The Five Niyamas

Week 1 - Saucha (Cleanliness)
Saucha doesn’t mean just keeping the body clean, it can also relate to our diet, mind, thoughts and the environment around us which can all affect our state of mind. Our yoga poses and movements, breathing techniques and meditation and relaxation can help to purify the body and the mind so that we can move through life with more peace and connection.

Week 2 – Santosha (Contentment)
Society will very much keep us dissatisfied so that we buy more and constantly are seeking something else. If we are not satisfied, we will look for things such as buying and different experiences. A way to provide contentment is having gratitude as your anchor. Contentment allows us to find true happiness and joy as happiness gained through materialism is only temporary.

Week 3 – Tapas (Discipline, Austerity)
At times our senses take control over us and senses want to be satisfied. Self-discipline is there to help us to take back control. Working too with the willingness to embrace discomfort in lives allows us to grow. Life is not always comfortable and if we learn to tolerate that it will help us to grow. Tapas can also be seen as doing something that you don’t want to do that will have a positive effect on your life. Tapas helps us to build up inner strength and willpower and inner strength so that we become more dedicated to our yoga practice.

Week 4 – Svadhyaya – (Study of the self and of the texts), and Isvara Pranidhana – (Surrender or contemplation to a higher being, energy or power)
Svadhyaya and the study of the self can be seen a bit like a mirror to look into and see ourselves and the world and others more clearly and deeply. We can use self-study and self-reflection to contemplate our own life lessons, to learn about ourselves and have the opportunity to grown and learn from mistakes. Study of the sacred scriptures are full of wisdom that invite us back to our true self and connection to a higher power.

Isvara Pranidhana, this last niyama can be seen as surrendering and being able to offer your energy, yourself, your actions and your outcomes of your actions to a higher purpose. Our yoga practice and all the benefits we may receive from it can be seen as an offering to something greater than ourselves which allows a sense of grace, peace and love to flow through us

Related Videos

Santosha
Saucha
Invigorate Body & Mind
Ignite The Fire
Yoga For The Digestive System (Short)
Yoga For The Digestive System
Divine Qualities In Yoga

This Month’s Music

Here’s a selection of the music that Vicky has been enjoying this month.