Observing Ways Yoga Philosophy Is Relevant - 2

Following on from part one, let’s visit the second limb of yoga known as the Niyamas.  The Niyamas offer a greater depth to life and are primarily about commitment to both yourself and the greater good of all.

The Niyamas are universal guidelines that serve the sovereignty of one’s soul.  Self-love and clean thoughts paired with harmonious living fall under the category of this second limb.

Incorporating the Niyamas into everyday life  offer a more profound understanding of yoga in its entirety, and ultimately grant a life full of purpose.

So what you waiting for?  Come see!

NIYAMAS NUMBER 1: SAUCHA (CLEANINESS)

So Saucha may be about being clean, but that also transcends to clean thoughts, clean living, clean intentions to yourself and others.  I also feel it is about viewing situations in a clean and conscious way and acting in a clean and conscious manner. Not letting bad experiences from our past dirty one’s judgement in the present.  Try being committed daily to a cleaner way of living. Cleanse your thoughts with a deep sense of presence and hence flourish in life. A clean diet of healthy foods and habits are offered by Saucha.

NIYAMAS NUMBER 2: SANTOSHA (CONTENTMENT)

Santosha is about contentment and hence finding peace with the need to set goals and instead having values.  By having values we offer value to life while goals can sometimes misguide us. Contentment is cultivated in the practice of gratitude.  From the minute you wake up to the moment you go to sleep remind yourself often of what you’re grateful for.  See the cup as half full instead of half empty.  

NIYAMAS NUMBER 3: TAPAS (DISCIPLINE/EFFORT)

Tapas (fire) is about exercising discipline. See this limb as being about burning through feelings of laziness. Trying to cheat at things, and at how you are honestly feeling is lacking in discipline. Tapas is about seeing things through.  Try setting the alarm a little earlier and pledging to a daily meditation or prayer. Committing to a course of action that serves rather than stunts.

NIYAMAS NUMBER 4: SVADHYAYA (SELF-STUDY)

The more you know yourself, in turn, the biggest brightest version of the wonderful ‘you’, you will become. As we learn to shine with an air of humbleness via self-discovery, we in turn open doors for others to learn to do the same.  Make self-help books part of your reading practice.

NIYAMAS NUMBER 5: SVARAPRANIDHANA  (SURRENDER/ DEVOTION)

After all the action of the other Niyamas, their next comes Svarapranidhana which is love, devotion, and total surrender.   It’s about trusting into what God or spiritual beliefs that you have.  Fill your heart with love and be devoted to making life better for all.  Daily mantras or prayers help cultivate a feeling of allowing and letting go. 

The Yamas were more about restraints, but the Niyamas are more about being observent the patterns that one has and transcending them so that all actions come from a place of purity.    

Join us in part three when we look at the third limb, the Asanas.