Yamas and Niyamas in Action!

I've had this idea for awhile and have decided to finally challenge myself with this practice.  I can already tell I'm going to utterly fail, but like all Eastern traditions, there seems to be quite a bit of enthusiasm for the attempt part and not so much judgement about the perfection in success part.  I like this about Eastern religions.

The Yamas and Niyamas, for Yogis, are the backbone and foundation to the eight-limb practice.  They are both moral restraints (how you deal with the outside world) and moral observances (internal strengthening).   I'm generalizing here, but they basically are Yoga ethics.   So, even if you have a wonderful, open chested Warrior II or a downward dog that would make Rodney Yee shed a tear, if you are an angry, hypocritical, violent, negative person, it really doesn't matter all that much.  Even less severe or extreme, we all have our issues and the Yamas and Niyamas are kind of an ancient Yogi therapist that helps us shine the light on our shadows so we can see where we need to improve.

So, it's a little scary.   Because it's a practice.  And because it's revealing.  And because it's vulnerable.  And because it...takes...effort.   Real effort. It's not what we're used to.  We are used to habit and ingrained patterns and notions and justifications for acting the way we do.  I am no exception.  I devote hours and hours of my week to asana and meditation and reading about Yoga.  But do I still get angry and impatient at incompetence at the store?  Yes.  Do I get angry in traffic?  Yes.  Do I get upset at things I can't control?  Take a wild guess...

So, I'm going to try this and be committed.  My plan is to take one ethical principle each month.  That's a ten month commitment. Whew. I've been studying the Yoga Sutras and the Yamas and Niyamas for years and thought I was practicing them, at least pretty much...you know, in general.

But, I have a feeling it's going to be a whole different experience immersing myself one at a time and really experiencing them.  Like the Buddhist wheel, the Yamas/Niyamas are meant to be practiced all together, not checked off like a list.  But often, beginners are asked to focus on one at a time as part of initiation or monastic training, to really study, breathe in and immerse in the essence of each.

The Yamas (Restraints) are Ahimsa (nonviolence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (nonstealing), Brahmacharya (moderation) and Aparigraha (nonhoarding/detachment).   The Niyamas (Observances) are Sauca (purity), Santosa (contentment), Tapas (zeal/dedication), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Isvara-pranidhana (devotion to God).

I will start with Ahimsa.  Nonviolence. I figure I don't hit people or key cars or put my fist through walls, so I feel like I'm already ahead of the game on this one!  Though, of course, it's not that simple. Ahimsa goes beyond physical violence, encompassing actions, thoughts and practicing nonviolence towards yourself as well.   It's really about compassion.

I'm excited (and nervous) to get started.  Wish me luck! See you next month!