Yoga Sutras for Extraordinary Times
Practicing yoga during this extraordinary time can reconnect us to our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Bringing an intention to awaken our true selves. Remove external stimuli and return home to our whole being. Showing care for ourselves in order to find some peace and ease amongst the chaos. Practice calming the body and mind by quieting our nervous systems so we can mindfully find inner and outer strength. We then can navigate through this storm to not only stay afloat but to find ballast as we charter a new course ahead.
Now, may be, the time to unpack some of our yoga knowledge and revisit the ethical restraints and self-disciplines outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s. These principles guide us to live a more intentional and mindful presence, to better serve our entire being. The fruits of our labor can then be shared and passed on for something/someone bigger than ourselves: for the good/health of all.
Learn how to bring Yama’s (moral disciplines) into your daily practice and life below:
Ahimsa (non-harming): When choosing a yoga practice whether it be a vinyasa, power or yin class, do so with care. Set an intention to tune into the systems of your body and mind as to find a balancing and nurturing quality. Try to avoid ego-driven practices and work less out of habitual patterns. Be an observer within your own being: causing no harm. Attentiveness on the mat can exercise and fortify your whole being, which, in turn, allows us to better serve ours as well.
Satya (Truthfulness): First and foremost exercise Ahimsa (non-harming) and rely on your truth. Honoring your mindset, physical condition, and spiritual wellbeing. To discover your truth this may require unpacking preconceived notions about yourself. Whether you knowingly or unknowingly placed certain titles or labels upon yourself. Now is the time to de-label. For example: Are you your job title? Have you identified how much money you have in the bank and all that it has allowed you in this life? Does the level of your education define you? No degree, B.A/ B.S., MD or Ph.D., etc. These titles and identities are part of you. However, by stripping them away you can begin to understand your true self. Through seeking the truth about what makes you, you: authentic and strengths may be discovered or re-discovered. Simplifying the titles or branding placed upon yourself can free you from stigmas, social bias, and pressures both real and/or imagined. Borrowing words from the song “I Am Light” by India. Arie, “I am not the color of my eyes”, “I am not the color of my skin”, “I am not the mistakes I have made”, “I am light”. Find your truth, shine bright and let it illuminate!
Asteya (non-stealing): While continuing to practice Ahimsa (non-harming) and Sayta (truth) draw your attention to your attention. Focus for a moment on how you may be stealing from yourself and/or others. Without judgment, are you practicing healthy habits? Are you eating to benefit your overall wellbeing? Are you getting enough exercise (not too little, not too much) to stimulate body and mind? Are you attentive to your words, thoughts, and actions respecting yourself and those around you?
Aparigraha (non-grasping): As always practice Ahimsa (non-harming) as you begin the practice of Aparigraha. We are sailing in uncharted territory. Longing to understand and find balance. Clinging to the past can bring joy as well as anxiety and fear. Start anew by releasing comparisons to what was or could be. Truly be present in this moment. Give yourself permission to trust who you are as you explore each moment. Investigate how you arrived on your mat. Ask questions; how do I feel? What do I feel? Where and how do I feel it? Notice if you are hoarding feelings, thoughts and/or emotions. Spend time to probe and ask; is this grasping beneficial? Can you allow the grip to lessen by returning to this moment, this breath? Take this practice off the mat by continuing to be present and mindful. Ask questions; Do I need this much toilet paper? Be honest and truthful without harming or stealing from yourself or others.
Brahmacharya (self-control or the right use of energy): While continuing to practice Ahimsa (non-harming) question where is your energy is directed. Are you seeking external desires, not practicing Aparigraha? Are you directing your energy outward to gain approval or exerting energy worrying? Does the energy benefit your wellbeing? Take time to explore your thoughts, words, and actions. Enter this self-exploration by investigating how much energy you need right now at this very moment? Where is your energy focused, internally or externally? Consider the word “Energy” for a moment. By definition, it means, “the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity”, according to the Oxford Dictionary. Whether you are sitting still, moving through a flow sequence, or walking down the street; how much energy do you need at this point in time? And again at this moment… Is the amount of energy being used the right amount of energy to nourish and strengthen the quality or state of your practice? During this time of social distancing, how much energy do you require to sustain personal health and the health of others?
How to bring Niyama’s (self disciplines) into your daily practice:
Saucha (cleanliness/purity): Today we are all (hopefully) aware that we need to wash our hands to stay healthy. This measure can protect the general public as well as yourself. However, Saucha goes beyond such practices. Incorporate Saucha into your daily life by making positive healthy habits to sustain your mind and body. Direct your energy away from negative behaviors, which can ultimately harm your whole self. Focus on cleanliness by adopting good personal hygiene. Even if you are on your own: shower, brush your teeth and floss, as well as change your clothes. Keep the space you are free of dirt and clutter. Clean up your diet by eating nutritiously and mindfully. Cultivate healthy habits for your mind as well. Respect the emotions and thoughts, which may arise and gently re-direct energy away. Perhaps, guide your awareness towards gratitude. You can do this by practicing a Loving Kindness Meditation (Metta Meditation) showing kindness and respect for yourself and others. Start a positivity journal focusing on positive thoughts and feelings. Writing about loved ones or heartwarming stories, real or imagined. These can bring a sense of calm and possibly enlightenment (at least some clarity) into your realm for the health of yourself, which can then be shared with others.
Santosha (contentment): By incorporating some of the practices mentioned above, you can begin to find some contentment. Wishing things could be different, now more than ever, causes further pain and suffering. Instead, focus on the here and now. Rather than saying, “I would be happier if…” ask yourself what you are appreciative of right now, at this moment. Maybe journal about it or meditate on what is revealed. We have the time now to pause and reevaluate and recognize what is most valuable. You may find that what was important to you last week does not hold the same status today. Again, allow yourself to focus in this current moment and ask: “What am I thankful for”? Perhaps meditate on what comes to mind. As always, practice Ahimsa (non-harming), while listening to the answers that emerge. Relax your judgment, anger, and fear even for a little while. Over time contentment will seep in as you focus your energy on a state of contentment, gratefulness.
Tapa (Fiery determination or Burn-away): Think of Tapa as more of a discipline to rid impurities away. This is a practice to lessen negative habits, to burn-away harming thoughts, emotions, and actions that sap your energy and health. Tapa’s is the routine of self-discipline and/or personal growth. This is a purposeful, passionate practice to wash away patterns and habits that do not serve you well. Begin by establishing healthy rituals and noticing areas, which may need more attention. Be kind to your self, as always. Start eliminating habits that are not beneficial to your wellbeing. Such as irregular sleep patterns, drinking too much alcohol or smoking. Make a commitment to observe negative routines and/or habits. Once you have made these observances can the practice of Tapas proceed? Through this process begin to bring a sense of purpose even a fiery passion into your practice. Regardless of whether you are practicing on or off your mat still bring this awareness and devotion with you. Be mindful not to be overzealous, which to can be harmful as well. An example of this may be striving to achieve a yoga posture that your body is not ready for, leading to injury. Or perhaps, attempting to sit still without addressing the overactive state of your mind and body due to anxiety and fear. This may be a better time to burn-away those impurities through a rigorous flow practice. A disciplined Tapas practice can yoke together body mind and spirit. Revealing your true self.
Svadhyaya (self-study): Sva means self. Adhyaya means lessons or inquiry, to contemplate. To quote Roger Gabriel, “The True-self lies hidden in the silence between your thoughts, beyond all limitations. However, the doubts, chaos, and confusion of your thoughts caused you to forget who you really are”. Svadhyaya can be practiced through meditation by drawing the senses inward to discover your true-being. To investigate what is revealed and to understand how you fit into the whole. Listening to one’s bodily needs, reactions and functions may expose limitations as well as strengths not seen before. By studying and becoming inquisitive through asanas (poses), pranayama (breath control), and all other aspects of yoga including readings and further study, one may discover a greater consciousness. Through this practice of self-contemplation, you can gain insight into the world around you and how you are part of it.
Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion or dedication); After discovering your true-self through dedicated practice and insight or understanding into how you fit into the whole can you then begin the practice of Ishvara Pranidhana. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, he says to surrender the fruits of your labor over to a higher power. Through the practice of yoga, by stripping away titles and cleansing impurities away, can your true-self understand how you can serve for the greater good for all. In modern times yogis practice this with karma or paying-forward mentality or practice. To share the knowledge and insight they have gained through their training and yogic practices: including but, not limited to their physical, mental, and emotional disciplines as well as their spiritual (religious or not). Once enlightened, you will understand your true self, the world around you, and in you. The fruits of your labor can then be paid-forward to benefit all living things: The Universe-We.
In closing, practice in good health for the health of your whole being: body, mind, and spirit with intention, purpose, and a mindful devotion. Share the benefits of your practice and insights with those around you and the world at larger. Remember, Yoga means Union or Yoke and Sutra translates to mean suture or hold together. Now more than ever, we need to unite and join together for the collective good of all: The Universal-We.
Namaste: The light within me sees and honors the light within you
Written by Beth Jacobs, Yoga Loft teacher