Season 1, Episode 14

Cleansing the Mind and Body: Exploring Saucha, the First Niyama

by | Dec 28, 2023 | Episodes

Join Heidi and Farin as they discuss the first Niyama of the Yoga Sutras – Saucha. Explore the concept of purity, both externally and internally, and learn practical tips for bringing Saucha into your yoga classes.

Discover how this ancient yogic principle can help declutter your mind, alleviate stress, and foster a sense of clarity and balance in your life. From metaphorical cleansing on the mat to incorporating sweeping actions and twists, Heidi and Farin share insights and thematic through-line phrases to inspire your teaching. Don’t miss the transformative power of Saucha as a path to inner peace. Tune in and weave the wisdom of Saucha into your practice and classes.

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Show Notes

Episode Introduction: [00:14] 

  • Episode 14 focuses on Saucha, the first Niyama mentioned in the Yoga Sutras (sutra 2.40 and 2.41).

Niyamas Overview: [01:27]

  • Brief overview of Yamas (interaction with others) and Niyamas (respect for one’s body and mind).
  • Niyamas focus on internal practices for a life based on love and stillness.

Saucha Defined: [2:34]

  • Discussion on cleanliness, both external and internal.
  • Saucha goes beyond physical cleanliness, involving asana, pranayama, right attitudes, and practices.
  • The Yoga Sutras emphasize the connection between a cleansed body, purified mind, and joyful awareness.

Saucha and Problem-Solving: [3:36]

  • Saucha addresses chaos, clutter, stress, overwhelm, and disconnection in daily life.
  • External clutter mirrors internal clutter; cleansing surroundings can impact mental state positively.

Internal and External Clutter: [5:00]

  • External clutter mirrors internal clutter; cleansing surroundings can impact mental state positively.
  • External influences, like social media, can affect internal states and necessitate cleansing.

Saucha and Fall Cleansing: [6:49] 

  • Personal experiences with fall cleansing and the impact on internal well-being.
  • Clean eating and external cleanliness contribute to feeling good internally.

Challenges of Practicing Saucha: [9:03]

  • Challenges in a world filled with constant stimuli and a fast-paced lifestyle.
  • Balancing time and energy to declutter physical and mental spaces can be difficult.

Practical Tips for Saucha: [10:28]

  • Incremental cleaning approach: focus on small sections or areas.
  • Connection with the back pocket theme: focus on the effort and practice rather than the outcome.

Bringing Saucha into Class: [11:37]

  • Metaphorical cleansing when stepping onto the mat.
  • Incorporating the theme through breath awareness, postures, and actions.
  • Suggested thematic through-line phrases for class.

Pose for Saucha: [13:34]

  • Suggestions for poses, emphasizing twists to “wring out” impurities.
  • Incorporating sweeping actions to reinforce the idea of cleansing.

Conclusion of Class: [15:11]

  • Encouraging students to carry the essence of Saucha beyond the mat.
  • Identifying clutter in life, taking small steps towards cleanliness, and embracing Saucha for clarity and balance.

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