Niyamas: Svadhyaya

Patanjali makes it clear in 1.2 of the yoga sutras that yoga is the ability to direct the mind on one object and keep it there fora sustained without destractions. In Buddhism, this sense of self or being separate -  the much lauded individual in the modern world -  is considered the cause of all suffering. That's right our suffering is created by ourselves and thus by extension can be eliminated by us (with lots of work). Much of the suffering is the mind wandering here and there, past and future, everywhere yet no where.  How much of our suffering could be avoided if we could just see everything as one: everything connected like a huge web spirally out and back in again. A vortex of being rather than attachment and aversion.

How to do this? Well I like Judith Lasater description of yoga as the study of the self. The study of the strengths and weaknesses of the self, the habits and patterns of the self, and the different aspects of the self can be observed on our mat every day and then as they fan out into the world. Watching your thoughts in a formal practice of meditation can help us to see how busy the mind really is.  I was listening to a talk about Zen Buddhism and they referred to the mind as a tiger that will eat you up and take every moment of your life. The practice of observing your thoughts quietly on your own can make it easier to recognise unhelpful or habitual patterns during the course of the day in communicating with others. Of course, as humans we fall over, blame someone else or ourselves, get angry, hold on to resentment, behave in ways we wished we hadn't but all this is okay because each time we notice we are experiencing a moment of awareness. A moment of awareness that can help us to see ourselves in others and forgive ourselves and them in a single breath. I'll keep working on that for the rest of my life - unwinding the self: seeing ourselves in others and in the world.

While yoga may be a method that helps us to unravel our sense of our self, I think any activity could serve this purpose: knitting, cooking, gardening, reading, singing. Any activity that helps us to see our reality as a mirror of the interconnectedness of everything. 

As science and our hearts keep telling us we are the world and the way we live in the world affects all - the plants, animals, people, water and the air.  

Om shanti,

Margot

 

The 8 limbs of Yoga: Niyamas - Svadhyaya

                                                                            Mandala by Margot Porter

 Svadhyaya - The study of oneself

Svadhyaya is the conscious and considered study of oneself. This means that swadhyaya could be any activity that enhances a self-reflective consciousness. Each person will be attracted to an activity that best allows them to discover their true self: writing, gardening, playing an instrument, volunteer work, meditation. Yoga can be the activity used as an opportunity for studying yourself - your habitual thoughts, patterns and behaviours. The actual form of the practice is of no consequence as the underlying premise is there must be an intention to truly understand yourself. Another important aspect is the commitment to stay with the activity and the exploration of self through thick and thin. Often it is when life gets really bumpy and rough that staying with yourself provides enormous opportunities for you to learn.  

Self study uncovers both strengths and weaknesses in yourself and it is through the process of self-study that you come face to face with your negative habits, addictions and patterns that are holding you back from reaching your potential. What you do with your learning is up to you and from experience it is one thing to recognise a habit that is holding you back but can be quite a hard process to change. Giving yourself a hard time about your weaknesses or trying to hide from them, ignore or only focus on your strengths is not the best way to approach your limitations. Everyone has them and they can be used to make yourself whole.
For me watching my thoughts when gardening allows the thoughts to flow and I can observe them. My thoughts can be challenging especially when I recognise patterns of anger, resentment and other undesirable or non supportive thoughts and ways of being. My question to myself is can I sit or be with these feelings, emotions and acknowledge there existence without being disappointed with myself. Thoughts are natural and you have over 50,000 a day so with that many thoughts passing through your mind it would seem only natural that you might get caught up in some and go off on a journey. Compassion and kindness are really important in working with self as the self can be confused and resistant to shifting self-destructive habits. The help of a mentor, guru or teacher can help you to see yourself clearly: that is how you really are and redirect yourself. You can learn to acknowledge your shadow side because once you become aware of them you have the tools within your heart to heal yourself and become a whole person.

Namaste,
Margot