A few weeks back, I wrote about yoga’s ethical guidelines, the Yamas, which fall under the first limb of Patanjali’s eight-limb practice. The second portion of this first limb, the five Niyamas, are choices we can make to forge an even more fulfilling path than now exists.
The Niyamas, or observances, are an invitation into a radical exploration of possibility. Just how good can you feel? Just how joyful can your life be? Deborah Adele
The wisdom of the Niyamas directs our choices toward purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to what life is asking of us.
- Purity invites us to cleanse our body, thoughts, and words from negativity and limitations that restrict our greatest expression of ourselves. Tension and tightness in the body and mind restrict us from accessing the reservoir of energy lying dormant within each of us. This energy of consciousness, when awakened, brings us into our full potential as spirits living a human journey. The vibrancy and deep wisdom that attends this energy release enhance our moment-to-moment experience, fulfilling the promise of clarity.
- Contentment invites us to “not walk in fear” but to “meet each moment with curiosity and total presence.” Instead of feeling lonely and deprived by what we don’t have, appreciating the beauty and abundance of what we have opens our hearts in gratitude. Releasing comparison thoughts and seeking/avoiding behaviours, frees us to understand that contentment never arrives from external sources. Contentment is an inside job, and realizing it promises us joy.
- Self-discipline invites us to practice that which transforms and strengthens our character. This might include forsaking short-term pleasures for future long-term gains. Rejecting our laziness and selfish desires as we navigate what feels like a hopeless and desperate situation opens us to the “silver lining” that inevitably presents itself. In our darkness, we can choose to break down or break through to new depths of experience and learning. All of which requires letting go of what no longer works and changing into a newer, more robust version of ourselves. Not unlike the formation of a flawless diamond, self-discipline promises us refinement.
- Self-study invites us to know our true essence as divine beings. Every person, experience, and event reflects what we choose to see, our perception, not what is really there. Our ego self and its projections of the world around us prohibit us from seeing the truth. Social conditioning and past experiences add up to a series of limiting beliefs through which we view the world in right or wrong terms. Layer upon layer of shoulds, have-tos, and musts wrap us into conformity, control, and fear-based thinking. If we are afraid to look at our inner being, we will not grow into the greatness that is our birthright. Self-study unveils our limiting reactions and heals our wounds, fulfilling its promise of freedom.
- Surrender invites us to let go of our egos and accept the harmony and perfection of life. Accepting that a higher force, or organizing principle, or grace, or god exists that provides for and protects us in every moment means getting out of the way. Resistance, rigidity, and control are how we fight life and get in the way of experiencing its bounty, peace, love, and joy. Contracting our muscles or minds constricts our abilities and signals our fear of life. Opening our hearts and minds to life’s wonder and mystery expands our consciousness into the flow of surrender. Letting life lead us and being present to each emerging moment gives us clues as to what response fulfills surrender’s promise of harmony.
For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.
