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2nd Limb of Yoga – Niyamas (Personal Observances) #1: Saucha
The first 2 of the 8 Limbs of Yoga are the Yamas and Niyamas. There are 5 Yamas and 5 Niyamas, and we will take a full day on our Daily Yogi journey to focus on practicing each of the five. Niyamas (KNEE-ya-mas) are guidelines for our own personal habits or observances. Let’s take a closer look at the first of five Niyamas – Saucha.
All about Saucha (Purity)
Saucha (SOW-cha) literally translates as purity or cleanliness from Sanskrit.
Saucha literally translates as purity or cleanliness from Sanskrit. This is a logical first for Yoga’s personal observances.. many of us start our day with a shower every morning. Saucha is about purity of the body as well as the mind, and reminds us to take a self-inventory of behaviors in our lives that no longer serve us, like unhealthy habits or negative thoughts. We should also strive to practice Saucha with our surroundings, and keep our spaces clean and organized.
My favorite Saucha practice is self-care. Enjoy a long shower or bubble bath. Maybe give yourself a pedicure, with a warm foot soak and lotion massage after, whether you paint your toes or not. Relax with a face mask and cucumber slices over your eyes. If you want to try a new Ayurvedic practice, maybe try oil-pulling (I recommend 2-15 minutes, not 20-30) with coconut oil.Clean your insides with a clean-eating day – no junk food, or perhaps try another clean eating diet method or cleanse of your choice.
Or, practice Saucha with your surroundings. Pick what area of your living or work space needs some attention in your life, and get clean and organized! Make sure to mindfully appreciate your new space when you are done!
How to practice Saucha (Purity)
How to practice Saucha (Purity)
- Self-care with a deep cleaning or self-care practice of your choice.
Enjoy a long shower or bubble bath. Maybe give yourself a pedicure, with a warm foot soak and lotion massage after, whether you paint your toes or not. Relax with a face mask and cucumber slices over your eyes. If you want to try a new Ayurvedic practice, maybe try oil-pulling (I recommend 2-15 minutes, not 20-30) with coconut oil. Book a last-minute facial or salon treatment of your choice. Clean your insides with a clean-eating day – no junk food, or perhaps try another clean eating diet method or cleanse of your choice.
- Bring some Saucha into your home, car, or office.
Pick what area of your living or work space needs some attention in your life, and get clean and organized! Make sure to mindfully appreciate your new space when you are done! I also love 30 Day Decluttering and Organization Challenges!
- Practice purity with your thoughts, words, or actions.
This is similar to a lesson from the 8-fold path of Buddhism. Pick one to focus on… try to only hold positive and pure thoughts, words, and actions for the day,
Asana Practices
Here are some Asanas (poses) and Asana series I feel embody the spirit of Saucha! Click the images to learn to how perform the pose or more about the Asana style!
Please note this section is currently under construction – please check back soon for more!
Meditation Practices
Here are some of my favorite meditations I feel embody the spirit of Saucha!
Guided Meditation on Organizing our Thoughts.
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Saucha Quotes
Today’s Practice
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