“When the body is cleansed, the mind purified and the senses controlled, joyful awareness, needed to realize the inner self, also comes.” Yoga Sutras

 

This yoga sutra is referencing the 1st Niyama, Saucha.  Eric Shiffmann has written that as we deepen our yoga practice, we become happy for no apparent reason.  To experience progress on this path is to become happy for no apparent reason, as we fundamentally change the way we move through our days.  We are happy because we have applied the principles of yoga to our lives.  This is truly why I teach and practice!  Can I find a level of clarity, trust and happiness in my life no matter what?  Saucha gives us the opportunity to “clean ourselves up” - and our intention - Poke, Provoke, Confront and Elevate - is the way.  As we all transition this month let’s do it from an “awake” place.  

Moving to our beach town full time was an easy transition this summer as we are always here all summer long, however September has set in and so has the reality of our new hometown!  I am using this intention and saucha to clean up my emotions and keep myself in the present moment of gratitude and elevation!  We truly are blessed to be here!!!!

In order for us to move to that place of “elevation” in our lives where we are comfortable, trusting and abundant we first need to clean up our physical space, our physical body with healthy nutrition and movement (or stillness depending on who you are) as well as our thoughts, emotions and feelings.  Fortunately for us, this is exactly what the Calm Crew is here to accomplish for all of you and me too.  This week do a little writing so you can poke and provoke any old thoughts, scripts, expectations or dark parts of yourself.  Then can you accept these parts of you as confront them? Can you forgive yourself for these unhealed parts of yourself?  Finally…..can you let go? If even for a little bit or a little piece of the energy.  That is the work - let go!  This letting go is the cleansing process of saucha and it opens up space in us for the elevation of the gratitude and joy in our lives.  Take this weeks yoga class and twist and let go!!!!  Together we can do this!