What does it mean to study yourself?
Scroll to the end of the post for January’s Playlist!
January 2023 Focus
The Fourth Niyama: Svadhyaya, Self-Study
“To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”
The theme this month at WYAY is the fourth Niyama, moral observance, Svadhyaya. “Sva” is the self and “dhyaya” can mean a lesson, lecture, or reading. When we practice Svadhyaya, we become experts on ourselves. We study everything there is to know about how we work, what we need, and what we can do to be our best self.
You are your own best teacher and there are many paths to self study.
Reading-The most traditional path to be a student of the self is to read and contemplate sacred texts. Seeking wisdom from these holy books can open our eyes to new ways of seeing ourselves. The Yoga Sutras or the Bhagavad Gita are two examples of such sacred texts. However, you can read or study anything that resonates with you on a higher level. There are as many stories as there are people who need to hear something specific for their growth and peace.
Meditation- Can you imaging not being able to control a body part, maybe your arm for example: “Why are you waving your arm around?” “I don’t know it just does that sometimes.” “WHAT?” Your brain is a part of you. You can decide to put your arm down. With practice you can learn to control your thoughts. It’s a challenge and it begins with noticing without judgment. What paths do your thoughts tend toward? How can you redirect yourself to stillness? Self study of the mind is important to growth in all other areas.
Asana- Your physical yoga practice is a really great place to study yourself. Overtime you grow in your physical and mental awareness. You learn more about how you react to stress and discomfort. When you take a moving meditation, you can become grounded in the present moment and what your needs truly are.
Nature- Get outside and find awe. When we talk about the Self we are referencing one’s higher soul. For my soul there are few better medicines or teachers than mother nature. Stand in the ocean, climb a mountain, sit in a forest, rest by a stream, study a leaf or a flower or simply pause wherever you are and admire the sunset. Nature is not separate from us, but a part of us.
Writing- Something incredible happens when you put pen to paper. Journaling is a wonderful way to get in touch with your thoughts. Sometimes writing down a to-do list keeps me from getting overwhelmed. Writing about my problems gives me perspective. Taking time to document my accomplishments keeps me motivated to continue good habits. Gratitude is a powerful thing and studies show keeping a gratitude journal improves overall mood and wellbeing.
However you choose to practice Svadhyaya this month I encourage you to keep the journey mindset. Love, truth and moderation are the key to making meaningful change. As you learn about yourself let go of judgment, the pass or fail mindset, and let yourself be in-progress.
In Brene Brown’s book Atlas of the Heart she defines Pride, Hubris and Humility in the chapter “Places We Go to Self-assess” and it really resonated with me:
Pride is a feeling of pleasure or celebration related to our accomplishments or efforts
Hubris is an inflated sense of one’s own innate abilities that is tied more to the need for dominance than to actual accomplishments
Humility is openness to new learning combined with a balanced and accurate assessment of our contributions, including our strengths, imperfections, and opportunities for growth.
In honest pride and humility, we work on ourselves to find greater peace and union with ourselves.
Here’s January’s Playlist!
