Svadhyaya ( Self Discovery / Awareness )
As I write this, I feel that many of you have heard me say this Sanskrit word (Svadhyaya) multiple times (maybe even more than multiple times). And, I will repeat it here a few more.
Svadhyaya literally means ‘one’s own reading’ or ‘self-study’. It is the fourth Niyama of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and has the potential to deepen our yoga practice way beyond the mat. The Niyamas are the second stage of our eight-step practice of yoga (Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi).
I follow an Ashtanga teacher on social media and his recent writing speaks to Svadhyaya:
“It doesn't matter how many postures you do. . . . It matters that in your posture there is enough going on within you to keep you engaged in a process of discovery that never winds down.” David Garrigues
In my teaching, I will sometimes ask a newer student what / if they are noticing anything different about their movement, their moods / emotions, their ability to remain calm in a stressful world, (or anything else), after beginning this practice of Yoga.
Often, I receive the answer ‘no’. And, I respect that. I am hopeful, though, that each of us may come to a point where something ‘clicks’ — a movement is easier; a previously triggering event loses its power; work (life) appears less stressful. And, if we realize that we will each reach that point at a different time - accepting ourselves so to speak - the pressure to ‘change’ releases.
How many times have you heard a person in your yoga class exclaim “I started yoga and it changed my life!”? I’ve heard it many many times and I believe them. It is important to realize that not everyone has the same experience when they step into their first yoga class.
Here a few comments I’ve heard over the past weeks:
‘At work I sit in front of 3 screens. Since I’ve begun to focus on nasal breathing, I no longer feel the anxiety created that I think was caused by working in front of 3 computer screens’. (student of 6 months).
‘I felt a shift in my sacroiliac nerve pain today.’ (student of 2 years)
‘I feel so good after a yoga class.’ (student of 3 months)
‘This awareness, I believe, will change my life.’ (student of 9 months)
We all arrive at a point of awareness in our own good time. There is no pressure to ‘feel’ something — just to notice, to keep inquiring, to keep learning. As David said, to remain “engaged in a process of discovery that never winds down.”
Thanks for reading — this is short; got to get on with the day. I hope your day is a good one!
