Satya Doesn't Give You A Pass To Be An Ass

You may be wondering how you take the philosophical teachings of yoga off the mat and into your daily life?

If you’ve been coming to my classes for the last few months, then you know my current mantra is Satya, Truth.  Satya is the second Yama of the Yamas (Social Restraints) and Niyamas (Personal Observances).  Yamas and Niyamas give us a roadmap on how to live life in alignment with our practice.  Satya is speaking your truth, living your truth, honoring your truth.

Satya asks us to show up as our true, authentic selves in every situation.  In every relationship.  This is easier said than done.  We often hide or distort our truth to make others feel more comfortable. To keep the peace, we often do not speak our truth (if you’re a woman, I know you feel this).  This may make the day and the interactions smoother, but hiding your truth serves no one.

Of course, Satya doesn’t give you a pass to be an ass.  Before you can practice Satya, you must make sure it passes through Ahimsa, the first Yama.  Ahimsa was my mantra for about a year.  Ahimsa asks you to have non-harming thoughts, words, actions, towards others AND yourself.

Once you have passed the criteria of Ahimsa, THEN you can make sure that your thoughts, words, actions meet the standards of Satya.  Always honor your truth.

Xx

Jesi