September is National Yoga Month. Let’s celebrate by looking at the Niyamas, which are the internal disciplines taught as part of the 8 limbs of yoga. I call them rules to live by for optimal health.  The first Niyama is Saucha, translated to purity.

 

Saucha is such an important part of self care and it can be practiced in so many ways. You may choose to eat pure clean foods, do a weekly or quarterly juice feast or clean the clutter in your mind, home and workspace.

 

Purification simply means ridding yourself of excess waste. The results are more energy, feeling lighter and having more clarity .

 

We can utilize the previous Yama’s (tools), like truthfulness, non-excess, and non-possessiveness to practice purification. We might choose to only speak truthfully. Non-possessiveness prepares us to let go of what no longer serves us, from clearing out our closets, our pantries and refrigerator to the paper on our desks.

 

I am always amazed at how much motivation and energy I feel after my quarterly Kick Start Program. Normally, before the cleanse, I view the mundane task of spring-cleaning to be quite painful. I also procrastinate starting or finishing projects. I make excuses that it just isn’t a priority for me.

 

It is interesting to notice the stories we tell ourselves to support our habits and the resultant stress. I am the person who habitually runs late. I try to accomplish one more thing before leaving the house with the myth that I might make up lost time on the road…WRONG! I live in the Washington DC metro area, one of the worst traffic cities in the country.  I still find myself lying as to how long it really takes to get anywhere.

 

All of these habits build up and create stress.

 

The practice of Saucha allows me to recognize this. This is the first step to do something about it.

 

The second step is to identify what it is I really want, and then to prioritize my day and actions accordingly. 

 

The third step is to feel and visualize completion, and then commit to the task at hand.

 

Last but not least, is to remind myself that there is enough time and that I am the keeper of my own time and actions. Ultimately I have control over what I accept to do or not. Only I can set necessary boundaries to protect my time, space and energy.

 

Purity encompasses everything that goes into our body, mind and soul as well as what we choose to excrete and share with the world.

 

What is the ultimate benefit of Saucha?  Again, it is the practice that keeps us grounded in the here and now. It allows us to Carpe Diem, to seize the day to enrich all of our moments and relationships.

 

This week can you take an honest personal assessment and notice what may be draining your energy? What food, thoughts, clutter or actions are not serving you?

 

Can you take one small step by choosing pure, clean, energizing, nutrient rich food to sustain you?  My favorite are sautéed greens and green energy shake.

 

Cheers, here’s to a safe and Happy Holiday. May we give thanks to all those who work to make the world a better place.