Guest Post by Brenda McMahon
As we explore the principles or 10 commandments of yoga, we come upon the fourth principle, Brahmacharya. There are two schools of thought here, one is a strict discipline of sexual celibacy; the other is a more general expression of Brahmacharya as a control of the senses, including your sexual energy.
Our sexual core, as we know, is filled with very strong energy. Early yogi’s wanted to harness that energy for meditation and spiritual work and so they promoted sexual restraint by not being promiscuous or indiscriminate in your sexual behavior. That control of the senses, however, extends to general moderation in what we eat, how we think, how we talk and other activities. This form of restraint will maintain our energy for deeper work of self-awareness and conscious attention to those around us.
As I have explored Brahmacharya, I have paid close attention to my diet and my interactions with others. I have adjusted my eating behavior so that I eat only when I am hungry. I now watch how much I put on my plate and I’m careful not to take seconds unless I really want to. With others, I step back and truly listen and take notice of those around me. As a New Yorker, I tend to jump into conversations; in my practice, I try to hold back and listen more, then step in. In taking this conscious attention to my life, I have found I am being more careful, having more sense control everywhere.
Brahmacharya encourages a careful attention to all that keeps us human. As it relates to our sexual life, this yama asks us to be responsible in our behaviors, respectful of ourselves and honest with those around us. Restraint can often lead to a deeper connection and so when we do connect sexually, it is rooted in the heart in a deeper way. This deeper heart connection makes it easier to practice the other Yamas we’ve discussed, of honesty & truthfulness. As we explore the yamas, we begin to see how they are all inter-related and balance one another.
In the Asana practice, balance is the most important part of yoga. When we stretch the right side, we also stretch the left side. When we feel one side is tighter, we often go back to that side a second time to bring it back into balance.
Brahmacharya is a balancing of our life energies in all their ways, the core of which is our sexual energy. Restraint and careful attention in this realm is as healthy as the rest of yoga is. It’s all about breath and balance.
As you consider this fourth yama, can you see ways you can bring more balance and control of your senses into your life? Is your difficult transition making you eat too much, or not enough? Do you find you spend all your time talking with friends about this relationship transition? How can you find balance in your life? Perhaps one conversation a week you focus on your friends rather than your current situation. Or maybe you plan one healthy, thoughtful meal each week. Think about restraint and balance, controlling your senses, as you navigate the upcoming months ahead. Think about ways you can practice Brahmacharya in your everyday life. This is what we call yoga ‘off the mat’.
To access the entire 12 Part Yoga Series, click here
Brenda McMahon is a full-time Ceramic Artist traveling nationally & internationally showing her artwork and teaching clay workshops. She creates meditative porcelain vessels and Yoga Oms in her private studio. Brenda is a passionate student of metaphysics and has been a Yogi for 10 years.
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