The 8 Limbs of Yoga Explained – Niyamas 2nd Limb of Yoga

03 Sep The 8 Limbs of Yoga Explained – Niyamas 2nd Limb of Yoga

Niyamas – How we view and treat ourselves – our inside world!

Sauca – cleanliness and purity

This can relate to cleanliness and hygiene of our bodies, but also to the cleanliness and purity of our thoughts.

“Think happy thoughts.” Peter Pan

We also have a tendency of putting toxins in our body, such as sugar, alcohol, drugs etc when we clear out our systems by making healthy choices, our minds become calmer, more alert and our energy levels rise.

Notice how your outside world affects your inside world – cluttered, dirty desk or office at work or home? This may reflect your state of body and mind.

Santosa – contentment

Being grateful and complete with what we have. Taking a step into the realization that life has given all we have asked for and all that we need. As we live with an attitude of gratitude for life lessons, no matter what the circumstances, our lives become effortless and more stress free.

Tapas – discipline

Setting an intention or goal can only be completed with focus and discipline. It takes practice, and what may feel like sacrifice, however, upon completion you only become stronger and more focused for your next task at hand!

Svadhyaya – self study

Bringing our focus in to what it means to be a human being!

How does your being affect yourself and those around you. How are you treating yourself today? Why might your sleep patterns be disrupted? What you eat and put into your body may also have an effect on how we feel tomorrow.

Be a work in progress – Be an example – look without your eyes – listen without your ears.

Īśvarapraṇidhāna – Devotion to the Divine

Surrendering to consciousness. Knowing that the power of creation is higher than the power of destruction.

Whether you believe in God, the universe, consciousness or perhaps none of the above only human intelligence, this Niyama encourages you to sit in contemplation of living life to the higher good of ourselves and the world around us.

The beauty of practicing Yamas and Niyamas is, it is a way of life!