“It is through our inner practices of Svadhyaya (self-study) that we arrive to our truth and the nature of our relationship to Love, community and ourselves.“
In last week’s journal entry, we talked about how the yogic principle of Svadhyaya (self-study) includes both external and internal practices. Surrounding ourselves with inspirational writings, musings, music, art and people helps us to remember that we have chosen the risk of vulnerability that comes with openness and connection and reminds us that others have too. While it is hugely beneficial to learn through the experiences and perspective of others, it is ultimately on each of us as individuals to find our own way. It is through our internal practices that we arrive to our truth and the nature of our relationship to Love, community and ourselves.
The Value of Practices Focused Inward
The internal practices of self-study (yoga, meditation, prayer, breath work, journalling, etc) invite us to be in honest relationship to ourselves which leads us to being in honest relationship to everyone and everything else. When we are deceiving ourselves, we cannot help but deceive others. When we are critical, punishing or demeaning to ourselves, we are reflecting that into the world as well. As we embark on the adventure of getting to know ourselves better, we become aware of the ways in which our actions, words, and thoughts are not always aligned with our intentions. And through that awareness, we are empowered to choose differently.
A Practice to Explore
Here’s practice to support you in exploring your relationship to yourself as a source of Love in the world through the mantra “Aham Prema” – I am Divine Love.
First, let’s check in with how the idea lands in your heart, mind and body –
How does it feel to claim this for yourself?
Is there a sense of familiarity and “rightness”?
Do you feel a little resistance rise in you to the idea?
Observe your response with as little judgment and self-criticism as possible. This is simply the starting point for your exploration – noticing whether you are wide open, highly resistant or somewhere in-between is incredibly useful information to carry on the journey. Make note of what you notice and move into the practice with the understanding that there may be some additional inner obstacles for you to be present with as you go.
Traditionally, a mantra is intoned 108 times (the number of beads in a mala) but feel free to make this practice your own by choosing the number that feels right to you. Not feeling secure in your chanting? No problem – you can follow along with this version by Deva Premal and join in when you feel ready ~ using your voice to chant out loud is a powerful practice that I encourage you to try.
Sending you Love,
Tawnia