Niyama means a creative living. In the journey of life, there are constructive laws – They Empower us, nurture us to grow in harmony within oneself and with others.
According to the ancient sage Maharishi Patanjali, these laws are not about restrictions but are creative guidelines for personal growth. Let’s explore his insightful teachings and a practical exercise to apply them in our 21st century daily lives.
A reminder First was Yama – Harmonizing Relationships, Positive connections.
Practice Five Yamas are first to create a deep friendship with the world around you. A practical step: Share a genuine compliment with someone daily to cultivate positive connections.
Now Lets Talk About five Niyamas – Laws for Self-Growth.
Step 1: Purity (Shauch)
Embrace a cleaner lifestyle by being mindful of what you eat, drink, and how you care for your body. Try incorporating a nutritious and colorful fruit or vegetable into each meal.
Purity isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about purifying your body, mind, and thoughts. Consider what you eat, drink, watch , read and how you care for your body. Start with small changes and make them a part of your beautiful way of living.
Practical Exercise: Be mindful of what you consume on body and mind level. Choose good food to eat, books which helps to make mind positive, movies which help to motivate, friends who help you to be more loving and compassionate.
Step 2: Contentment (Santosh)
Contentment is the key to a happy life. It involves accepting and appreciating the beauty in every moment, embracing the simplicity of what is.
Practical Exercise: Appreciate the present moment and practice gratitude. Begin a daily journal, noting three things you’re thankful for each day. Take a few minutes each day to appreciate the simple things around you—a sunrise, a cup of tea, or a gentle breeze. Say ‘yes’ to the present moment.
Step 3: Austerity (Tapas)
Austerity is about leading a simple, uncomplicated life. It’s finding joy in everything without clinging. Simplicity leads to happiness, and less complexity means more peace. Seeking attention makes life complicated. Instead, focus on inner peace and joy without needing validation from others.
Practical To-Do: Take a look at your daily routine. Identify one thing you can simplify. It could be decluttering your living space, streamlining your schedule, or letting go of unnecessary commitments. Observe your actions—identify one thing you do to seek attention and replace it with something that brings you inner peace, even if it goes unnoticed by others.
Step 4: Self-Study (Swadhyaya)
After achieving purity, contentment, and simplicity, it’s time for self-study.
This is a meditative exploration of your true self. It is like looking into a mirror, but instead of analyzing, you’re meditating on your true self.
Practical To-Do: Set aside a few moments each day to sit quietly. Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment. Consider keeping a journal to track your observations.
Step 5: Surrender to God
Surrender is often perceived as giving up however in this context; it’s about letting go of the ego and merging with the divine. it’s allowing your authentic self to guide you. Embrace your true nature and let it lead your actions and decisions.
Practical Exercise: Create a personal ritual of surrender.Begin with deep, conscious breathing. Inhale slowly, allowing your lungs to fill completely, and then exhale gradually, emptying them entirely. Focus on the rhythm of your breath.
Now softly repeat, “I surrender to my true self” In this heightened state, imagine offering your true self to a divine presence or a higher power. Visualize the act of surrender as a peaceful merging with a vast, loving energy.
After the practice, sit in stillness for a few moments. It could be a moment of gratitude or a silent acknowledgment of something greater than yourself taking care of you.
In adopting these practices, you’re nurturing a path of growth and self-discovery. Remember, it’s a journey, and small, consistent steps lead to profound transformation. Welcome the simplicity, find joy in the present, and watch as your inner world flowering with positivity and harmony.
Read more about: Yoga New Vision: Eight Steps to Inner Transformation
Blessings
Deep “A Yogi Freind”
Yoga New Vision
Acknowledgement – inspiration and guidance from osho vision
https://oshoworld.com/osho-audio-discourse-english-y/
