Guest Post by Brenda McMahon
Through these weeks, we have been exploring the 10 principles of Yoga, the 5 Yamas & 5 Niyamas. These are essentially the guidelines for living a conscious life. Today we continue our exploration of Yoga Off the Mat, as we look at the 9th Yogic principle, and the 4th Niyama, Svadhyaya, self-reflection.
During our last discussion, we explored the fire of Tapas, which is the discipline, and hard work of our lives, including our inner lives. It is said the principles of Svadhyaya and Tapas go hand in hand. Where there is fire and refinement, there is the self-reflection of Svadhyaya, looking at how far we have come and where we still want to go.
In our Yoga asana practice, we are repeatedly reminded to take note of where we are in our physical body or where our ‘edge’ is. An asana practice is of no benefit if we push ourselves beyond our abilities, thus blowing out our hips or pulling our muscles. Asana provides the constant hard work of Tapas, while reminding us to stay present to where we are today and not where we want to be. Svadhyaya, that constant self-reflection, keeps us in balance.
Another area where Svadhyaya is a rigorous discipline is when we see the world as a reflection of where we are. The easiest place to see that is in relationships. We can use relationship as a mirror to learn about ourselves. How children or spouses are responding to us, often indicates how we are relating to them. Are we aware of or in control of our moods and emotions – are we in balance or better yet, where are we out of balance? Remember, there is no judgment here, just learning and growth. We often present our ‘best selves’ in everyday life, but it is our intimate relationships where our whole self is reflected back to us. This is where some deep inner work can occur.
Take a moment to contemplate the discipline of Svadhyaya’s self-reflection. Where are you having difficulty in your relationship today? Is it in communication, anger, self-expression? Use the reaction you receive from your intimate partner as a mirror reflecting back to you what you can learn. If we want understanding, perhaps we ask, are we an understanding person? If we want respect, are we being respectful? Where are you experiencing the lack and then ask yourself, do I give this to myself and then to others? These can be very hard truths to face, but also quite revealing.
It is in the fire of Tapas where we are dedicated to personal transformation. From there, it is in the self-reflection of Svadhyaya where we gauge our progress and come to a deeper level of awareness.
Remember to have compassion with yourself (Ahimsa) as your journey through the 9th principle of Yoga in your self-reflection.
Namaste
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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