The Yamas- Satya
Satya guides us to be honest. This means, listening and speaking from the heart and letting the preconceptions of who and how to be fall away. Satya reflects back on Ahimsa. Having an open heart towards someone often requires us to reflect on the truth of our own mistakes and limitations to find compassion and see that we are all connected.
It’s also particularly important in our physical practice, because it’s easy to “fake it” in certain poses. I find myself doing this more than I would like. I can cheat my leg a little higher in Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, but if I am honest with myself and drop my hip in line with the other, the limitations of my hamstrings come into play and I have to work a lot harder. Being honest with your body and where you’re at safeguards you from injury. If you’re not strong enough in your core and shoulders to lower in chatturanga, practice with your knees on the floor until you build strength. Use props as tools to guide you deeper in your practice and support you.
When we practice the precept of Satya, our hearts open to others as well as ourselves.
xo
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