Physical and mental “hygiene” – keeping your mind, speech, environment, and body free from clutter and contamination. Treating our bodies with care by eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and getting regular physical activity. Does not mean purification of the body, as we cannot prevent the natural deterioration of the human body. Our truest essence is separate from our bodies, free from aging and illness. Cleanliness of mind = regulation of emotions, thoughts, & beliefs, offering us freedom from intense mood shifts and over-reactivity to life’s endless complexities. Anger, hate, prejudice, greed, pride, fear, and harmful negative thoughts are a source of impurity of the mind which can be “cleansed” through regular use of mentalization, mindfulness, and meditation - skills which are commonly picked up in therapy. Orderliness and cleanliness within our environments (home, work, car) also supports a calm, “clean” state of mind.

An underlying joy that life’s unexpected let-downs and imperfections cannot shake. Acceptance of life as is, letting go of your war with reality. Welcoming adversity – “offering chaos a cup of tea.” The dialectic between acceptance and change - when we accept things as they are without resistance, we actually free ourselves to make changes. Relaxing into the moment you’re in, despite frustration and discomfort. Creating space for contentment rather than chasing after it. Replacing the limited self-talk of “should”, “can’t”, and “too hard” with empowering speech - "I can, I will, I choose"...

“Serenity now!” (Seinfeld, Frank Costanza speaking)

Translated as “inner fire,” meaning to generate heat through the action and effort put into anything you do that elevates you and others. Having a purpose or aim in life – a vision of your future you are working towards.  Doesn’t have to be massive investments of time and energy – just needs to be intentional, consistent, and performed whole-heartedly. (Think of the dog that walks himself – holding the leash in his mouth.) Mindfully conducted, healthy habits that support connection to your guiding principles and personal values.  Avoiding mindless habituation – getting out of autopilot. Connection to an “inner fire” – a sense of purpose - inspires us to develop and grow. Th work involved then no longer feels like work – there’s no forced sense of obligation when we’re connected with a deeper “why” for our efforts.   

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Nietzsche

Self-study. Yoga places more of a focus on the spiritual “Self” while the Western approach is more about self-identity. Exploring who you are, flaws and all, without judgement or shame. Examining incongruence between your actions and values. Seeking to understand your habits, beliefs, traditions, values, and interests with empathy and curiosity. Understanding the universality of the human condition – growing in your compassion towards yourself and others in this understanding. Balancing between your state as an individual and as part of a larger system - both the “wave” and the “ocean.” Holding and validating your own sense of reality and truth created from your personal experiences while accepting that others may have a very different but equally valid sense of reality and truth based on their personal experiences. Operating from knowledge that one’s perception of another is a reflection of the self.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” -Socrates

Whether you believe in a benevolent essence in the universe or in the indifference of the cosmos, this Niyama remains meaningful and useful to us all. It means to surrender or devote to our Highest Self (God, Brahman, Inner Advisor, True Self, Ultimate Reality, Universe, Supreme Being, whatever!). Transcend the ego – let go of the ego (control, judgements, criticisms, shame, greed, etc) and be present to the true interconnectedness of all beings - “Oneness.” Do whatever you do as a service to humanity or something beyond yourself (for example, when you forward fold in yoga, you are bowing to humanity). Connection to and deep sense of trust within our deepest intuition and unashamed expression of ourselves as we are, perfect imperfection. Remaining healthy in order to help others. Surrendering – to rest or to discomfort. Doing our work not for the fruits of the labor but for the labor itself. Acknowledging you can only do your best in any given situation and no more – being fully present in every situation and not worrying about what comes next.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” -Anais Nin