what’s your satya,?

what’s your satya [truth]?

We all know our earliest, easiest poem johnny johnny- yes papa. Eating sugar? No papa. Telling lies? No papa.

All kids lie like Johnny, covering up for their harmless mischief. But if left unattended it becomes a bad habit. Remember, the boy who cried wolf.

What about Satya or truthfulness? It is listed as the second Yama or moral ethical code mentioned in yoga sutras of Maharishi Patanjali. There is great value in speaking your truth, is a no brainer.

However here's an interesting discourse about how lying and non-harming [Ahimsa is non hurting physically or even mentally] each other. For instance, let’s say you were cooked a dish by your friend and instead of appreciating the gesture, you bluntly tell them its not good, you’re not lying, you are telling straightforward truth, right. but boy, its hurtful now.

Gather ahimsa? By telling your friend that you think their cooking is tastless, is very hurtful. You should rather consider acknowledging their effort and intention. This is where you have to check your chosen words. Are you simply taking their power to sound in command?

Yoga Sutra 2.36 comes to our rescue and suggests to remain quiet instead of harming others with our truth.The golden rule is if you have nothing nice to say then it is better to say nothing at all. That's why practicing non-violence and Satya go hand in hand.

True blue

When we are lying to others and ourselves, we are blurring the reality, imagining a wishful world. As grown ups it can become a stressful and burdensome habit as its not a true nature of a person.

Even though there is freedom in telling the truth, it can also be difficult being honest to ourselves in our thoughts, behavior and feelings.

Practicing the art of valuing and living in the present moment is such a boon. Imagine using satya in your yoga class. Being truthful as to what yoga works for you.

Are you in the right type of yoga class? Are you crossing limits of your own body or are you competing with the upside down bloke next to you? Lot many injuries take place in yoga class because we are untruthful.

Clear the fog of dishonesty with transparency and clarity for others and also to yourself.

This could mean owning up to our faults.

Try being honest on social media, be only human, telling as it is. Once we let go of the facade and say it as it is, people start respecting who we are and what we stand for, our true values shine.

When we are truthful, its ok to raise hand for help, its ok to being vulnerable and open about it. ‍

There is no need to beat ourselves up for over eating, lack of exercise, procrastination of any kind. Instead, invite much needed qualities of loving kindness to the self and plan from that place of integrity to walk on the path of satya, your indelible truth.