I hope this weeks musing, finds you warm and cozy!
I want to focus in on Satya this week. Satya is one of the five Yamas. Yama is the first limb within the eight limbs of yoga. Studying and integrating these first five steps builds a strong, mindful foundation in which to build your yoga lifestyle upon.
The Sanskrit alphabet, the beautiful language of yoga, is comprised of 54 letters. Because of this, each sanskrit word will have layers of meaning for us to think about. Sat, of Satya, translates to “that which exists, that which is”. Or in basic terms “truthfulness” As I mentioned in “HeartFelt Abundance”, my favourite translation of the Yoga Sutras, where we learn about the eight limbs of yoga, is “The Secret Power of Yoga” by Nischala Joy Devi. Her translation of Satya is “Dedicated to truth and integrity, our thoughts, words and actions gain the power to manifest”.
To stand in our truth and speak our truth, takes a lot of self reflection and self study. Asking ourselves the deep questions, sitting in contemplation and understanding who we are at the heart of our being- all without outside influence. It’s been my experience, that we will be challenged and questioned by outside sources, sometimes it will feel at every turn. This is what happens when we start to awaken. Every interaction is an opportunity to reevaluate and/or reaffirm that “yes, this is my truth and I own my truth” or “opps, I fell in to that old pattern in that interaction. I will do my best to recognize that more quickly next time”.
What I like most about studying Satya or my truth, is that I take 100% ownership of who I am, what I say and how I meet others. I don’t blame others or accuse others for how I feel. Thinking and feeling this way gets us no where, real fast. I also feel that Satya takes me right to the heart of my ego. “Is this thought that I am having true or is it a story created by my ego?”
If you are new to questioning your thoughts, through self study, it’s not easy. It’s a lot of work! But, guaranteed, it is so worth it. When we live life through the eight limbs of yoga, we can find a freedom unlike any other. It’s truly beautiful!
Until next time,
Sandra