Finally, be sure to take some time after class for Savasana (corpse pose) so that you can integrate all that youve learned during your practice. The first of the Niyamas, Saucha, is translated as purity or cleanliness. Maybe think of one area of your home you could dedicate a bit more time to and give it a bit of a spruce. If something is clean, it is free of dirt; but if something is pure, it is free of flaws. The deepened sense of inner peace and calmness. Some of these kriyas we embrace, or at least will try once, such as: using a neti pot with salt water to clean our nasal passages; practicing trataka to clean the eyes; or kapalabhati the skull-shining, and detoxing, breath. 1.) Dont be disheartened by this. 3. The energy of the room is pure. Outer cleanliness refers to the physical aspect, simply means keeping ourselves and our surroundings clean. We need to be free from all impurities, then only yoga will give real results. If you want help implementing Saucha, Ill be glad to help you. Through meditation, we become better at understanding our thoughts and how they work. Try to speak from your heart in a way that embodies your unconditionally loving nature. The niyamas are the second limb of Patanjalis systematization of yoga, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. At its core, the whole of yoga is included in the simple word, Saucha. The first yama is Saucha, usually translated as purity and sometimes as cleanliness. She strives to create a trauma-informed space in which everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves. All the way from cultivating purity of the physical body, through cleaning and showering, right through to the practice of staying grounded in our minds, words, and behaviors. 5 Powerful Ways to Practice Non-Stealing in Yoga and Life, Understand the Koshas and Discover 5 Deeper Dimensions of You, 4 Modern Ways to Deepen Your Svadhyaya (Self Study) Practice, Why Ahimsa (Non-Violence) Improves All Areas of Your Life. For practicalitys sake, this includes showering, brushing your teeth, and cleaning your house. Patanjali seals the deal in Sutra 2. How might saucha show up in your life? 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Kappalabhati pranayama is known to create heat in the body, so after you do a few rounds make sure to close your eyes and relax for a bit. Then, the practice is repeated on the second side, and the nose is dried by rapid breathing. It is a state of mind and body unengaged with the present moment. It increases the power of memory and brings the mind to a state of awareness, attention, and focus. NRA Sues ATF Over New Pistol Stabilizing Brace Regulations Try to make it a habit so that each time you step onto your yoga mat, you can greet your practice fresh and renewed. Saucha reveals our joyful nature, and the yearning for knowing the Self blossoms.". The practice trains you to not be confused. This adds a clarity to my life that makes my mind work better. The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yogas Ethical Practice, How To Use A Neti Pot: A Step By Step Guide, Aparigraha: The Ancient Art Of Non-Attachment In A Modern World, Asteya: 8 Ways To Shift Into Abundance Using The Third Yama, Brahmacharya: A Modern Guide To The Right Use Of Energy, Satya: Aligning With Your Truth & Embracing Authenticity, Ahimsa: Leading The Way For Unconditional Love, Shiva Tandava Stotram & Breaking Down Shivas Hymn Of Praise: Meaning, Benefits, Lyrics & Audios. Try out a few things and notice where you feel closer to the practice and the idea of Saucha. Well feel better about ourselves. Yet santosa couldnt be further from this. - 5 Ways to Practice Saucha at Home, 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Yoga Mat Thickness, What Are Jute Yoga Mats? The first two limbs outline the ethical foundation of the path. To learn more, call us at 919-971-1431 or check out our class descriptions and class pass to find the perfect class for you! This paradigm epitomizes the students mind and acknowledges that the yogi is first and foremost a student. Essential eco yoga sets to enrich your practice in your home and at the studio! Mind implies the type of thoughts that dominate the inner world; speech usually indicates responsibility for every word spoken, in terms of both intention and effect. The intention is to purify the mind and heart alongside the body. The study of yoga philosophy reminds me of the right attitude I should adopt in leading a pure and positive life. As you have the habit of a daily shower, you must strive to develop a habit of Saucha in thoughts, words, and actions. You might also want to give your yoga mat a bit of an energetic cleansing as each time we step onto our yoga mats, we bring new energy. Maintaining a healthy diet, putting love and intention into your food, and taking care of your immune system through good hygiene can also be ways to create saucha. By noticing moment to moment that everything is arising and passing away, it reorients your mind toward care and loving-kindness rather than toward clinging and holding on. Saucha isnt just about keeping our bodies clean; its also about balancing our negative mind with our positive mind and neutral mind. 2023, asanajournal.com, All Rights Reserved. and learn to be grateful for everything you have in your life. Exploring Saucha: Practicing Simplicity Reveals More | Gaia So, though there are differences between the Vedantic and Tantric understanding of the layers of self, we can see that cleanliness should pervade all layers of being, from the stuff around us to our thoughts, feelings, and our life force energy. A niyama is an observance, or something we would like to cultivate: In these yamas and niyamas, Patanjali lays out a roadmap for self-realization. 2.) Or, maybe its time to clean out your thoughts and replace destructive self-hate with positive affirmations. What Does Saucha Mean In Yoga? & 5 Ways to Practice Saucha at Home My advice would be to take a look around your space before you roll out your yoga mat and see how you could make that space tidier, cleaner and just generally a nicer space for you to practice in. The niyamas are observances that can be done in silence and without much fanfare. As mentioned above, tidying our space can help us tidy our mind and improve our concentration and awareness, so, if youre someone who practices from home a lot, think about the space you practice in. Using one of these methods to give your yoga mat a wipe down should help keep bacteria and grime that can build up over time at bay. So, this week, can you find one thing that youre running from in your life? We practice yoga so we can create more freedom in our bodies and promote our health. They can be thought of as guidelines towards a fulfilling life of joy and well-being. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in. If we are able to slow down and give the relationships in our life our undivided attention when they need it, then we can be pure with the present moment. Saucha: A Practice Of Purity To Reveal Your True Nature If your mind and body are impure, not only can you not behave in an upright manner, but transcendence is impossible. Through cleaning ourselves and our space, it brings with it clarity and thus an ability to realize the true nature of the Self. The important thing to be aware of here is that we are all inherently pure at our very core, no matter how far down you think that core might be or how many layers of bad you have to peel back before you find it. Imagine this each of us has a light inside that shines out to the world. This is what Saucha is about clearing out the dirt removing the unnecessary. A whole other article could be dedicated to this form of Saucha so we wont spend too long here but I would invite you to think of one thing you might do today or this week to practice self-care and feel a bit more connected to Saucha. 5 simple ways to practice saucha: 1. 22 Essential Hasta Mudras In the end, the practice is never-ending. Saucha means purity of mind and body. Consciously choose, and only consume food that would have positive impact on my cholesterol level; Practice asanas regularly to build a strong and flexible body. If you buy a neti pot kit in the pharmacy (sometimes theyre called nasal reconstitution kits), you can find single-dose packets of special nasal salts. Bestselling ergonomic, comfortable, stylish meditation cushions. It could be the simple acknowledgment of exhaustion, or coming to terms with actions youve taken that have harmed another. These are all forms of the yogic principle known as saucha. Exploring Saucha: The Purity of Mind, Body, and Intention - Chopra . 2. Niyama: Tapas. "Through simplicity and continual refinement (Saucha), the body, thoughts, and emotions become clear reflections of the Self within. A weak body cannot support a strong mind. Saucha is the practice of inner and outer cleanliness. Cooking with Saucha. LovedWhat Does Saucha Mean In Yoga & 5 Ways to Practice Saucha at Home? Cleanliness in your environment also affects the way you experience life. I grabbed a glass of water, and I lit a candle. Here are six ways you can begin practicing saucha in your daily life. These kits will recommend that you use purified water, and I do too! Saucha can be translated as purity, cleanliness, or simplicity. It could be the Yoga Sutras, but it could also be the Dhammapada or the Bible. Using the pot, pour the mixed solution into one nostril until it flows out the other one. As the Buddha said, Whatever one thinks and ponders upon, thus the mind inclines.. Or, perhaps, you need to implement some reconciliation or forgiveness with the people in your life. The light of my life can shine brighter in a clean, orderly house when Im clean and pure! Meditation helps to still the mind and allows us to become more aware of our thoughts and emotions. Developing a regular meditation practice is one of the best ways to find saucha of the mind. As you work on yourself, you instill a set of values that lend themselves to a deeper practice. Nauli is one of the shatkarmas: a traditional cleanse of classical hatha yoga, though its not taught in many yoga classes. Saucha: Purity In Food, Thought, and Routine - ZV Botanicals You learn to restore attention so that you can not only regulate your emotions but relate to them differently by allowing them to arise and then pass away. Work to cultivate a mind that is willing to be in the present moment and a heart filled with kindness and compassion. Another way to practice Saucha is to be mindful of your food and ensure it is nourishing and wholesome. Literally known as the skull cleansing breath, the forceful exhale of kapalabhati makes it a great choice for this niyama. One Of The Most Popular Yogi Terms Explained, 10 Essential Types of Pranayama Breathing Techniques That You MUST Know, The 8 Limbs of Yoga Study Guide [Explained For Modern Life], Online 200-Hour Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training, How to Lead a Live Online Zoom Yoga Class. To explain saucha, we have to zoom out a bit and mention the yamas and the niyamas. That is saucha in action the recognition that everything has its place and there is a place for everything. Income disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy via links found on yogajala.com. Many of these neurotransmitters are also produced by your gut cells and the trillions of microbes living there. I encourage you to choose one aspect of aucha that you find inspired to apply in your life. The Niyamas arrive on the shoulders of the Yamas and act as support for the ultimate work of behaving and conducting oneself with integrity. Just compare the feeling of walking into a bedroom with freshly washed sheets or a sparklingly clean kitchen vs. a messy, dusty bedroom with clothes all over the floor or a kitchen with last nights dinner splattered up the walls and a full dishwasher. Saucha in Sanskrit is often translated to mean cleanliness or purity. Enhanced emotional balance and well-being. Practicing the saucha in mind can create more peace and harmony in our lives. If so, you could try the powerful and beautiful traditional Hawaiian practice of Hooponopono to release what youre holding onto. You can practice Saucha in daily life by: Cleaning your living space. Saucha is the first one that were going to explore. I am not someone who easily lives in a state of Santosa. Pranayama or yogic breathing techniques is also a form of saucha. This doesnt mean you need to start a detox diet or juice cleanse. Definition: Contentment, Acceptance, Optimism. Clearing clutter and being organized can make you feel calm, happier, and more in control. Any action that we take, no matter how bad, cannot change this Divine Light that emanates from the center of our very being. It has both inner and an outer aspect. You may want to do this by drinking some warm or lemon water or doing an ayurvedic enema. Its not a pristine manic order, but a sense of discovering where everything belongs so it can fulfill its function with maximum efficiency and beauty. Food is such an integral part of our health, nourishment and keeping our bodies clean and able. Yoga 101 - Saucha Such foods are natural and not processed. The body must be cleansed internally from time to time to help facilitate this flow. Practice: Some people resist practicing santosa because they think that being content and accepting of what is normalizes (and even pardons) grievous actions taken by others. The Niyamas - Bringing Saucha into your life - Ekhart Yoga When we step onto our yoga mat with bare feet and hands, its our time to connect with ourselves and our practice so we deserve to have a clean canvas on which to create. Be clear and clean with your words and thoughts. First Niyama Bring Purity in to Your Life. 4 Ways To Find More Santosha In Your Everyday However, saucha also refers to mental and emotional cleanliness. The National Rifle Association of America filed a lawsuit . "An adventurer, wildflower, cat lover and sunset chaser.Yoga is a creative expression of our soul <3"@sunnyrachelyoga. This gives us the power to release thoughts that are negative, distracting, or hurtful. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika attributes many beneficial effects to the practice ofNeti, both for the body and mind. We'll feel better about ourselves. Ditch the Assumptions It's easy to assume someone is acting a certain way, because of something you've done. Sought after as an expert in yoga worldwide, Kino is an international yoga teacher, inspirational speaker, author of four books, producer of six Ashtanga Yoga DVDs, writer, vlogger, world traveler, and co-founder of Miami Life Center. Saucha is the Sanskrit word for cleanliness, and niyama is the second of Patanjalis eight limbs of yoga. Before diving deep into the meaning of Saucha, let me give you a little introduction. 2. Angela Still (1,510,485) "Through cleanliness and purity of body and mind (shaucha), one develops an attitude of distancing, or disinterest towards one's own body, and becomes disinclined towards contacting the bodies of others." ~ Yoga Sutra 2.40 ~ 5 Best Ways to Overcome Alcohol Addiction, Want To Feel More Focused On Your Mat? Yamas is a Sanskrit word meaning restraints. They can be thought of as the things not to do: Saucha is the first of the niyamas. However, it is done with an attitude of kindness and curiosity. You can do this by lighting some sage or palo santo and slowly passing it above your yoga mat in a practice of Saucha. Saucha wants us to be free from the clutter of distraction. The yamas and niyamas are the foundational principles of yogic thought and philosophy as outlined in The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. So, lets look at a few ways you can practice Saucha at home and stay connected to the practice of yoga, even when youre doing the washing up. A clean kitchen, bathroom, or any room can make you feel more comfortable and energized. Finding Contentment: 3 Ways to Practice Santosha How I could practice Saucha in my daily lives: Strength and fortitude are obtained. I see the yamas as the moral and ethical guidelines for how the yogi ideally acts in society and in relationship to others, and the niyamas as the same outline for how the yogi treats oneself. 1.) When we take on a physical yoga practice or pranayama practice, we're using, creating and directing powerful energy. Give it pure food. It can be translated as purity, cleanliness, or simplicity. A clean and tidy space opens you up to possibilities. How I could practice Saucha in my daily lives: Saucha in diet: eat & live healthily - always in mind 'I am what I eat'. Saucha is one limb on the sprawling tree of yoga principles and ethics. Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Pay attention to the energy of your body after eating food. Practice tips: It's been shown that outer order can help create inner . Living the 8 Limbs - the first of the niyamas: Saucha - Byron Yoga (Photo by Geetanjal Khanna on Unsplash). This might mean taking a stroll in nature (something that always makes me feel rejuvenated) or putting on your favourite song or playlist and dancing like no ones watching! The floor is wooden, there is a rug on the floor, aligned perfectly with the walls. We can do all the purification of our thoughts that we want, but without caring for the body and space in which we live or practice, we may not come to know ourselves as the Divine Light, because we are not treating ourselves as if we are That. Remember, even in the best-tended gardens, weeds pop up. Niyamas: guidelines to purify habits. Keeping your body, food, clothing and space clean is a great first step toward incorporating saucha. In this article we will discover what is saucha and why is it important for all of us? Sign up for our email newsletters and get your Mystery Discount! How Does Saucha Affect My Daily Life? - Asana It's an intention that can help shape our yoga practice, our day, and our life. What is Pranayama? Here are some suggestions to incorporate into your everyday life: So much food these days is processed, containing impurities like preservatives, additives, and pesticides. Notice your breath. 1. Having said this, its also extremely important that we maintain physical cleanliness as it cultivates an environment in which the mind can be redirected toward the Divine, moving the energy toward a deeper understanding of Self and purifying each layer. Embodying the term saucha can take many forms. Another way to practice saucha during your yoga practice is to be mindful of your thoughts and emotions throughout the class. The practice of Saucha cleans the glass so the light can shine brightly. I have known this about myself for five or so years now that housework is meditative and therapeutic. When we practice saucha, we are less likely to become sick, and if we do fall ill, we recover more quickly. The practice of saucha can take many different forms. 2020 All rights reserved. It can be tempting to roll off the yoga mat straight into bed after a relaxing bedtime practice or run off to work in a hurry if you practice in the morning, but, you guessed it, try your best to clean up your space. This makes Saucha the perfect segue as the first niyama in the second limb of the eight-limbed path of yoga. or decoctions used in Ayurveda. Remember, just like our asana practice, its a practice. This means avoiding processed foods and choosing foods that are free from toxins and chemicals. How Does Saucha Affect My Daily Life? There is a difference between something that is clean and something that is pure. 1. Thus, cultivating a mind that is willing to do so and, with a compassionate heart, requires cleaning up, or Saucha. Whether you're interested in yoga teacher training or you're new to yoga, we have classes for everyone. When you can be your authentic self with no mask or armor, you are pure. Sometimes a good shake and boogie can be the most cleansing thing in the world! It also includes the kind of language you use about yourself so try to stop all of the self-negativity! Too much caffeine, alcohol, or drugs will disturb your chemical balance, causing agitation and mental distraction. 1. Practice mindfulness: To understand the mind, you must witness the habits of the mind. Eating clean foods will help to improve your overall health and well-being. Turn it over and ask for stress and stuck-ness to be replaced with peace and understanding. Plop your tired ass down anywhere: a park bench, your front stoop, a random tree stump. Through the very act of our creation, we are born out of that same Divine Consciousness that creates and sustains this universe. It trains you to see the impermanent as impermanent, the impure as impure, and the painful as painful. It is the practice of making choices in our daily lives that support physical and mental hygiene and environmental friendliness. Our Best Deal: 60% Off Outside+, Ends July 9. Acceptance in this context implies the willingness to see clearlyand truly and go into the places that scare you. You can also practice saucha niyama by decluttering your home and living space to move through life more efficiently and with less stress. From that place of places, energy can flow smoothly. In doing so, Ill notice crumbs in castelo inflavel the door shelves so take out the bottles and clean the shelves. Sometimes (or a lot of the time, perhaps), housework can seem like a boring chore that you keep putting off. Conversely, avoid foods that deplete your energy and leave you feeling sluggish or bloated. If you have time, journal about your experience at the end of the day. One way to practice Saucha at home is to keep your abode clean and clutter-free. The ancient yoga text Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions the Shatkarmas, meaning the six acts of cleanliness or Shatkriya, which are yogic practices for the purification of the nadis, body, and mind. One way to practice saucha in yoga class is to arrive early and take a few minutes to center yourself before class begins. Dhauti is another yogic cleansing technique intended to clean the digestive tract. What is Jnana Mudra? Bhasti is meant to help balance out the Vata Dosha, which is seen as a common energetic cause of disease. Or, others feel like optimism is spiritual bypassinga way to ignore reality in favor of positive thinking. Liz is a Qigong and Yoga teacher based in Gloucestershire with a love for all things movement, nature & community. Do you ever hear of being hangry or HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, and tired)? Saucha: 6 Ways Purify Your Body, Mind, Relationships & Space The yamas and niyamas are the foundational principles of yogic thought and philosophy as outlined in The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. Pure food must be consumed and in moderation. Before asana Saucha doesn't lie beyond asana so much as it lies before it. It is important to feed the microbiome good prebiotics, composed mostly of fiber, and stay away from too much sugar and processed food. Exploring the Niyamas: How does Saucha affect our lives? and inner cleanliness (eating fresh, high pranic and wholesome foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising). You must take care of your body inside and out. I feel clean and ordered and clear again. The same applies to practicing saucha on the yoga mat. The benefits of practicing Saucha in Yoga are many and varied. This could be as simple as rolling up your mat or maybe cleaning it, depending on how sweaty your asana practice was. Make sure you are speaking and behaving with integrity, kindness, and respect. Commonly translated as purity, saucha teaches us about the importance of cleanliness for our entire being body, mind, and soul. Daily discipline is required to progress along the path of yoga. How can I keep my practice space as clean and tidy as possible? Be natural. Perhaps its admitting that someone you trusted let you down. Cleanse the inner body with the 6 shatkarmas: The outer body is easy, but the inner body must also be cleansed from time to time: a. Neti: cleansing of the nasal passages; b. Dhauti: cleansing of the digestive tract; c. Basti: cleansing of the large intestine; d. Nauli: cleansing of the abdominal organs; e. Kapalbhati: Cleansing of the frontal lobes of the brain through the breath; 3.)