Unpacking Saucha: Cleanse your mind, body, energy & life
When you think of yoga, if what you imagine is people moving their bodies, bending in unusual ways or standing on their heads, you’re not wrong! And, there are many other facets that make up the practice of “yoga.”
What is often overlooked in a physical yoga class are the 7 other “limbs” of yoga. All the layers of yoga as a lifestyle…only one of which is the practice of postures, known as asana. The 8 limbs of yoga are Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, meditation (Dhyana), breath (Pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyāhāra), concentration (dhāraṇā), and absorption (samādhi).
Let's dive into the Niyamas! If the Yamas are all about how we relate to, contribute to, and treat the world out there, the Niyamas are the intimate deep dive into how we show up for ourselves.
Think of them as your personal guidebook to cultivating an inner landscape that aligns with your highest self. These aren't about rigid rules, but rather gentle invitations to build habits that truly elevate your being. It's like curating your inner garden – pulling the weeds, nurturing the blossoms, and letting your essence bloom.
The five Niyamas are:
Saucha (Purity/Cleanliness): Saucha is your personal detox, inside and out. It's not just about a clean mat or sparkling space (though yes, do that!). It's about nourishing your body with vibrant food, hydrating, and moving in ways that feel good. It's about decluttering your mental space – letting go of toxic thoughts, grudges, gossip, or anything that clogs your energetic flow. When you practice Saucha, you're making yourself a clear channel for life's good stuff to flow through. Think mental clarity, trust, and ready to receive!
Santosha (Contentment): Like balm for the soul! In a world that constantly tells us we need more, Santosha is the revolutionary act of saying, "I am enough. I have enough. Right here, right now, is perfect." “I have everything I need to be the person I want to be.” It's not about complacency or giving up on growth, but about finding deep gratitude for the present moment. It's accepting where you are on your yoga mat today, without judgment or comparison, and bringing that same acceptance to your life. When you embrace Santosha, you unlock a wellspring of inner joy that no external circumstance can touch. It's choosing gratitude, daily.
Tapas (Self-Discipline/Burning Enthusiasm): Tapas is your inner fire, your passionate commitment to growth. It's that fierce, loving discipline that keeps you showing up, even when it's challenging. Think of it as burning off doubts and resistance– whether it's through a challenging asana practice that makes you sweat, or the mental focus to stay present during meditation. It's the dedication to your well-being, the consistent effort you put into your spiritual practice, your goals, and your dreams. Tapas isn't about punishment; it's about building resilience, cultivating willpower, and stoking the flames of transformation within you. It's having enthusiasm and devotion for your highest self.
Svadhyaya (Self-Study/Self-Reflection): This Niyama is all about becoming your own wise observer. Svadhyaya invites you to look inward, to truly understand your patterns, your triggers, your strengths, and your shadows. It's journaling, meditating, observing your thoughts without judgment, and reflecting on your experiences. It can also involve studying sacred texts or wisdom traditions that resonate with your soul, using them as mirrors to understand yourself better. It’s honesty with yourself to walk through life keeping what fits, and releasing what dims your light or holds you back. When you practice Svadhyaya, you become a curious explorer of your own inner universe, unraveling what makes you tick and illuminating your path forward.
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power/Devotion): Ishvara Pranidhana is the ultimate letting go. It's recognizing that there's a grander flow to life, a universal intelligence that's bigger than our individual egos. It's about releasing the need to control every outcome and trusting in something beyond yourself – whether God, the Universe, divine energy, or simply the unfolding mystery of life. On your mat, it's surrendering to the breath and the moment. Off the mat, it's finding peace in knowing that you are part of something vast and beautiful, and that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply offer up your efforts and trust the process. It's a deep, liberating sense of devotion and connection.
So there you have it, my brief rundown of the Niyamas, your personal guides for cultivating an inner life that is vibrant, joyful, and truly aligned. Dive in, explore them, and take your time. These principles have truly transformed my life, not all at once, but little by little, and the learnings just keep infinitely unfolding. I’ll share many practices and loads of information on the 8 limbs of yoga because it is truly everywhere and integral to wellness of the mind, body, spirit, and life.
Today, I’m stoked to take a deeper look into the Niyama of Saucha, cleanliness and purity.
While I spend a lot of time as more of a “what day is it” kind of person and I really do take it one day at a time, I am also running a business, working all over town for clients and studio classes, travel frequently, so I’m always balancing my free spirit with some structure. Organizing the day or the week and making a plan I feel excited about and sets me up to feel my best has become ritual-adjacent for me. I get so excited to dream up tomorrow or the next few days ahead, holding it loosely and staying flexible, but finding clarity, joy, and peace for what’s ahead. Yoga is not just movement, it is everywhere, and that’s one of the reasons I’m obsessed with it - because there’s always more to learn. The concept and teachings of the 8 Limbed Path is what clicked for me, that I try to live, to teach, and that has been the most liberating and aligned for me.
One of those limbs is the Niyamas - your inner world, your guide to cultivating an inner mindfulness, clarity, awareness, trust and truth and peace. At the start of a new week, or anytime I want a cleansing reset, I lean into one of the Niyama of Saucha - purity and cleanliness.
While you may think of cleaning your home or taking care of personal hygiene (and those of course are great practices), here’s a deeper dive at what Saucha is and how to practice:
On your mat: It's showing up with clean energy, a clear mind, and an open heart. It's about letting go of expectations, comparing yourself to others, or trying to force a pose. It's moving with the intention to cleanse, breathing with purpose, and letting the practice be your own sacred reset. I think when you turn your mindset around movement from “going hard” to working intentionally, you realize there can actually create more fire when you slow down, deeper engagement when you tap in and feel, and incredible energy when you work with your breath. Make the space in your mind, your energy, to be all in with what you’re doing, don’t try to rush it, just be in it.
In your space: It's decluttering not just your physical stuff, but also the mental junk. It's creating an environment that feels light, uplifting, and supports your highest vibration. That messy closet? That overstuffed inbox? The guy who hurt your feelings in 2nd grade? Clean it up, let it go…Saucha invites you to release what no longer serves you, making room for flow and fresh energy.
In your body: It's about nourishing yourself from the inside out. Choosing foods that make you feel vibrant, styaing hydrade, and moving in ways that feel good. It's tuning into what your body truly needs, not what the world tells you it should need.
In your mind & spirit: This is where it gets really juicy. Saucha is about purifying your thoughts, releasing limiting beliefs, and cultivating a clear, positive inner dialogue. It's about letting go of grudges, tell the truth fast with kindness, and creating boundaries that protect your peace. It's about being authentic, even when it feels a little messy.
Ultimately, Saucha is about cultivating a deep sense of clarity, both within and without. It's about stripping away the layers that hide your authenticity, so you can walk through the world feeling clean, clear, and absolutely radiant. It's a continuous practice and that is wild grace.
