Five niyamas form the second limb of ashtanga (8-limbed) yoga. Niyamas are observances or inner commitments that invite a sense of reverence to spread into one’s life. Together with the yamas, the niyamas support the yoga practitioner in cultivating integrity and congruence in interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships.
Can you recall a time in the last month or so that you have reflected on who you are and how you relate to yourself? The niyamas can help build your skill of observation, refine your relationship to yourself and your habits, and foster the unfolding of greater self awareness. It is helpful to focus on one niyama over a period of time.
The next series of blog posts will provide descriptions, techniques and journal prompts to support your exploration of the niyamas:
- Saucha – cleanliness
- Santosha – contentment
- Tapas – discipline or dedicated effort
- Svadhyaya – self study, self inquiry
- Isvarapranidhana – surrender to the Divine
Meghan Hogan E-RYT 500 is the owner of Maitri Yoga in Troy, NY. She is lead faculty for Yoga Vidya 200hr Teacher Training Programs and Founder of Move with Maitri, a Group Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers.
Her mission in sharing yoga is to provide caregivers of all walks of life tools for self-care and stress management.