Blog: Niyamas, The Second Limb of Yoga

Now that we completed the Yamas (the first limb of yoga) let's do a quick re-cap.

The Yamas are the outward observances, tools for interacting with our environment to help us get along in this world.  If you remember they were:

Ahimsa- non violence

Satya- truthfulness

Ashteya- not stealing

Brahmacharya- chasity, and

Aparigraha- lack of greed

The second Limb, the Niyamas are tools for inward observances, interacting with ourselves if you will.  They are:

Saucha- cleanliness

Santosha- contentment

Tapas- self-discipline

Svadhyaya- self-study, knowledge of self, and

Ishvara pranidhana- faith, surrender

So, next week we will begin by looking a little more closely at Saucha, cleanliness.  

Over time we will see how all of these concepts overlap and build a web of support for us to stand on, in our greatest practice...the practice of living well, ultimately creating a well lived life.  

I think of my life, and yours too, as... works of art. We are creating a history each day by the choices that we make.  A painting, a sculpture, a life.  I don't know about you but I want to create a life of beauty!  I hope to leave a piece of art in the minds of those that knew me.  Namaste.

Blessings,

Bella