The next five posts will be on the niyamas, which are like the "to-do's" as opposed to the yamas which are like the "to-don'ts". They are also called observances of self, and our inner duties.

This first niyama; Saucha, has to do with purification, cleanliness, and simplicity. Simplicity reveals our true nature. There is a quote in the Bible that says "Blessed is the pure in heart, for they shall know God." Simplicity leads to purity by being spacious, emotionally light, humorous, and not taking things too seriously.... pretty much all attributes of children. But life can get hectic and serious, and worries sink in and are all very legitimate and real. How do we remain simple and light-hearted amidst storms? I think it has a lot to do with being open-minded and accepting of the moment however it shows up. We can't always be in a bliss state, but we can find how to be in an accepting state.

Cleanliness is respectful to the one who is inhabiting the body. Through cleanliness, the body can develop its own intelligence for being in good behavioural patterns.

Modern life is fast, changing, overwhelming, and complex, but simplicity is the key to connect to our inner source. Peace in the eye of the storm. Sometimes things like hormones just take charge and make old habits settle in and our brain space be taken up by overwhelm and other stressing emotions. And it comes back to acceptance of these states as all being temporary, and being mindful that they are passing through.

De-cluttering physical space would be included in this, such as getting your house straight. But also mental space like regrets, shame, guilt, and burdens that don't serve us. So we need to de-clutter our brain space to inspire a sense of peace, which is where the Spirit shines from.

Pausing, relaxing, being mindful in this moment is how we can shift from our Ego state of incessant thinking and identifying with thoughts and emotions back to our Soul state. Its like how you focus a lens on a camera, narrowing in, or widening out. Being is the antidote for rushing.

In creating a simple pure space, we allow the mind to have new thoughts, rather than repeat the old cycles over and over again. We can open the mind to be able to receive more from less, and give more from less. Like when you have no food in the fridge, and you make some fantastic meal anyway with the simple items in the cupboard.

By simplifying and purifying our space internally and externally, we de-clutter the mind and body of emotional and mental obstructions so that we are not alienated from our own joy. It's like sifting sand in a sandbox and clearing away all the chunks so you're left with the purity of the sand.

Reflect:

Can I clean a space of stale energy in my home?

Can I clean up any of my habits?

Can I clean up a thought pattern that doesn't serve me well?