“Know yourself so well that you will grow into your wholeness and greatness.” C.Lewis

 

Our intention this busy month of December is “I feel balanced and aware.” And the next Niyama for us to study is Svadhyaya.

 

Svadhyaya is translated as self - study, to know ourselves. It Invites us to release the false and limiting self-perception our ego has imposed on us and know the truth of our Divine self. (Helpful tip…look for patterns in your behavior and thinking.)

We suffer because we forget who we are.  We think we are the layers that we are wrapped in and forget we are really the “Divine” hiding inside.  Self-study is about knowing our true identity is divine and understanding the layers (our ego) we are wrapped in.

This process of knowing ourselves creates a pathway to freedom.

 

This is an extremely busy time of year so let’s stick together and continue our daily work, Svadhyaya’s self study is a perfect reminder to check in daily with ourselves: that is the awareness part of the intention and then through that awareness can we each find some balance this month - and I mean on all fronts! Physical balance - maybe we over indulge here and there, be mindful and follow up with healthy habits.  Take time to move your body (I am still jumping in the water with a few crazy Calm Crew members - thank you Mary and Bonnie for joining my insanity!!!).  Use the awareness of self study to keep yourself in check emotionally and mentally.  Finally, commit to these writings, the yoga, the meditations and quite possibly your 40 day Sadhana SaTaNaMa practice to keep you spiritually fit!!!!

 

A few questions to start the month:

What are the boxes and layers you have wrapped yourself in?

Do you see any patterns to the way you think or act?

What do you project on others? These projections are things you are unwilling or unable to acknowledge in yourself.