SVADHYAYA
(SVA-self, DHYAYA - investigation, enquiry) self-study {4th Nyama (Relation to the self, self practices) of the 8 limbs of Yoga by Patanjali}
What are the Yamas and Nyamas?
These are the first two limbs of Yoga given my master Patanjali. These are moral guidelines that explore the relationships to others and to the self. Yamas relate to the outside world and beings, Nyamas to one self.
How can we invite self study or Svadhyaya?
1. Meditate - consistency over quantity - which means 5 minutes of dedicated meditation time every day is much better than 30 mins one day a week.
2. Reconnect with nature - choose an early morning and take a stroll by yourself, in a silent walking mediation. Explore what comes up, observe how whatever you see and experience on your walk relates to your inner state.
3. Breathe - Challenge yourself to monitor your breath throughout a whole day. Bring even deeper awareness to your asana practice and investigate in which asanas you hold breath or you become breathless. Does it change from day to day? Morning to evening? Before and after a meal?
4. Write - Journaling down your finds of self -exploration is a wonderful way to come to terms with things, to freely acknowledge and without judgment shed certain emotions and experiences. Any time of the day is good but after a concentrated self-study practice is best as you get to write down your findings fresh off the revelation press.
5. Study the scriptures - Choose a yoga book you have been drawn to or ask your teacher to give you some recommendations. If a book is too much choose a mantra or a sutra you are drawn to. Read about the sanskrit translation, try to say it out loud until you feel confident pronouncing it. See where it takes you.
Comments