Swadhaya

Self-Study (Swadhaya)

The 4th of the Niyamas in Patanjai’s Yoga Sutras. If there is anything that is a life-long practice, then self-study would be it! Just when we think we have learned something, there we go, struggling with it all over again. Swadhaya is earning about why we have certain habits, learning what we believe, and why we believe it, discovering who we are, what our purpose is in this life, where do we go from here, and observing our words, thoughts and actions. Study and mindful observance all of the things, every day, every season, in every stage of life. Swadhaya’s purpose it to discover not just the small “s” self, but also the large “S” self. Meaning who we are in this body, in this life “s” and who we are as a part of something bigger “S” the Divine self. It encompasses reflection, analysis, realization, self-assessment, and a deeper desire to understand and connect with something larger than our ego. It is an inner journey to understanding our soul, a connection to our intuition. It is the path to samadhi or ultimate peace. It is the reason we yoga. We might practice swadhaya by studying scriptures or other sacred texts. Or by meditation or a yoga practice or prayer. If you don’t consider yourself religious or spiritual perhaps pick up a few sacred texts of various traditions and see what resonates with you.

In Jennie Lee’s book, True Yoga, she states that the best time for reflective studies is after a meditation practice because our intuition is in a heightened state. It is here we have connected with our Higher self and we have let go of the labels we place on our selves in this world; mother, daughter, sister, friend, wife etc. What I have found in my studies is that all of the sacred texts I have read, with an open mind, have consistencies that allow me to interweave each belief system into one that I can comfortably reflect on without feeling enclosed in a box of this belief or that belief. This process has made me feel more welcoming of many cultures and ideas.

During social distancing I challenge you to pick up a book or read about something you aren’t familiar with. Some suggestions: Tao te Ching, The Upanishads, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, The Bible, Vedas, The Koran, And so many more…

Watch The Story of God with Morgan Freeman on Netflix. It is awesome and way more fruitful than Joe Exotic.