Have you heard of the Yama’s and Niyama’s? Come and find out more...

The Yama’s (restraints) and Niyama’s (observances) are considered moral guidelines that help you live with honesty and truth. Based in traditional Yoga philosophy. They relate directly to your behaviour towards yourself and how you treat others. Incorporating these principals into your life can have a profound effect on your yoga practice and your peace of mind, but also your daily life. I actually think taking the time to look at these at any time or the year is important, but now it is so relevant and an amazing guide to follow. Take a look and let me know which one sits with you the best?

Yamas

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (A traditional guide of Yoga) list five yamas or moral restraints. These apply specifically to how you behave outwardly toward other beings. They are:

• Ahimsa (non-violence).

• Satya (truthfulness).

• Asteya (non-stealing).

• Brahmacharya (moderation).

• Aparigraha (non-hoarding).

So let us dig a little further here...

Ahimsa (Non-violence)

Do not harm yourself or others in thought, action or deed. Be kind to yourself and others always.

Satya (Truthfulness)

Be truthful to yourself and others. Satya includes right speech and truthful communication, as well as skilful listening. Abstaining from gossip would also fall under satya.

Asteya (Non-stealing)

Do not take what does not belong to you or what you have not earned. This applies to material things, as well as respecting others’ time, energy and hard work. Asteya also means balance between give and take.

Brahmacharya (Moderation)

Brahmacharya is often described as moderation and making sure that you have everything in moderation. In classical yoga, brahmacharya referred specifically to sexual moderation or chastity.

Aparigraha (Non-hoarding)

Consider what you really need and do not take so much that there is not enough for others. Aparigraha also includes your possessions and not being obsessed by them.

Niyamas

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali list five niyama’s, or observances, which apply specifically to how you conduct yourself on a more personal level. They are:

• Saucha (cleanliness).

• Santosha (contentment).

• Tapas (self-discipline).

• Svadhyaya (self-study).

• Isvara-Pranidhana (surrender).

Saucha (Cleanliness)

This refers to cleanliness in all areas of your life. Environment, living space, body, mind, speech, good hygiene and clean choices regarding the information you are allowing into your

life.

Clean company is also important. Spend time with people who uplift your spirit and inspire you to be your best version of you.

Santosha (Contentment)

Remind yourself often, “I have enough. I am enough”. Santosha also means being present. Rather than wishing for things to be different in your life, accept and appreciate the reality of what is.

Tapas (Self Discipline)

In yoga the term tapas refers to heat. It is the inner heat or fire that encourages you to roll out your yoga mat. Tapas drives your determination and creates motivation as well as self-discipline. It is this self-discipline that encourages positive behaviour and transformation.

Svadhyaya (Self Study)

Svadhaya includes studying of yoga texts and scriptures. It also includes drawing on lessons learnt to encourage a more positive outlook and mindset. Through svadhaya you are developing your higher self.

“The person practicing svadhyaya reads his own book of life, at the same time that he writes and revises it.” B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga.

Isvara-Pranidhana (Surrender)

Isvara-pranidhana means letting go of doubt and making room for faith or trust. Trust your higher self, for some this could also be applied to personal beliefs such as which apply specifically to how you conduct yourself on a more personal level such as religion or beliefs.

I honestly don't think I could select one as my favourite, but coming back to these to write this summary has really reminded me of the energy and ideas that Yoga brought into my life and I take forward now.

Which is your Yama will you take forward this December?

• Ahimsa (non-violence).
• Satya (truthfulness).
• Asteya (non-stealing).
• Brahmacharya (moderation).

See All Options

And your favourite from the niyama's?

Which Niyama will you take into December?

• Saucha (cleanliness).
• Santosha (contentment).
• Tapas (self-discipline).
• Svadhyaya (self-study).

See All Options

I will share the answers with you as we go into January!

In the meantime, book in your Santosha, Tapas and Svadhyaya with December Calm yoga, live on Zoom or on catch up.

Book here