The 1st, of 5 Niyamas is entitled: SAUCA, or cleanliness, purity~ in our thoughts, words, and actions....So, how do we apply this Niyama to our day-to-day living, as we attempt to LIVE OUR YOGA? SAUCA.....hummmmm!
As Springtime enters our awareness in the Northern Hemisphere, many of us begin the annual process of "SPRING HOUSECLEANING"...we clean our cars, our flowerbeds & yards, our windows, our linens and rugs...washing, cleaning, shining, AND ENJOYING the results of fresh bedding, and windows....seeing more clearly through windows that were clouded over w/winter rains, sleet & snow...savoring the fruits of our labors!
YES! all of the above are clear examples of LIVING THE 1ST NIYAMA of CLEANLINESS...
And yet, we know that YOGA CONTINUES TO ASK MORE of us...
How do we practice Sauca on a deeper level? By attempting to embrace the 6 MAIN KRIYAS of yoga (the main cleansing exercises for the physical body: Kapalabhati/breath of fire for the respiratory system; Trataka/candle-gazing for healthy vision; Basti/herbal enema for healthy elimination; neti/cleansing of nasal passageways; etc.). And by practicing our yoga for healthy bodies~integrating flexibility, strength and cardio; meditating to calm the vrittis (fluctuations of the mind field)....
Om shanti, om peace, om sauca on your path...one step at a time!
As Springtime enters our awareness in the Northern Hemisphere, many of us begin the annual process of "SPRING HOUSECLEANING"...we clean our cars, our flowerbeds & yards, our windows, our linens and rugs...washing, cleaning, shining, AND ENJOYING the results of fresh bedding, and windows....seeing more clearly through windows that were clouded over w/winter rains, sleet & snow...savoring the fruits of our labors!
Likewise, on a daily basis, we practice SAUCA with our own personal hygiene: bathing, brushing & flossing our teeth, cleaning our yoga attire & yoga mats,etc.
YES! all of the above are clear examples of LIVING THE 1ST NIYAMA of CLEANLINESS...
And yet, we know that YOGA CONTINUES TO ASK MORE of us...
How do we practice Sauca on a deeper level? By attempting to embrace the 6 MAIN KRIYAS of yoga (the main cleansing exercises for the physical body: Kapalabhati/breath of fire for the respiratory system; Trataka/candle-gazing for healthy vision; Basti/herbal enema for healthy elimination; neti/cleansing of nasal passageways; etc.). And by practicing our yoga for healthy bodies~integrating flexibility, strength and cardio; meditating to calm the vrittis (fluctuations of the mind field)....
As Nick Nolte's character in the movie: PEACEFUL WARRIOR states: "Empty the trash in your mind; the trash is anything that is keeping you from what really matters."
So as we look at SAUCA from yet another perspective, and can continue to practice CLEANLINESS by continually releasing STINKIN' THINKIN' from our minds....striving for a more SATTVIC (pure) mental focus....letting go of toxic thoughts, that no longer serve us~ just as we launder the dirt from our clothing, our cars, our windows.....YOGA IS INVITING YOU AND ME TO 'LAUNDER THE DIRT, THE FILTH, THE NEGATIVE ENERGY' from our minds....this is a LIFETIME JOURNEY...
I don't rightly know if we ever 'ARRIVE'....it is a true SAGA for our SOULS to embrace.....are you ready? willing? able to join me on this lifetime quest?
Om shanti, om peace, om sauca on your path...one step at a time!
Blessings, Lee Ann
