Svādhyāya: Turning Inward to Connect with the Divine

In the Niyamas, the guiding principles of yoga, Svādhyāya is often translated as “self-study.” Yet it is more than simply reflecting on our thoughts or journaling about our feelings. It is the sacred practice of turning inward, learning the language of our own soul, and deepening our relationship with the Higher Self. Through this connection, we begin to touch the presence of the Divine within us and around us.

What Is Svādhyāya?

Svādhyāya combines two Sanskrit roots: sva (self) and adhyaya (study or inquiry). At its heart, it invites us to become both student and witness—gazing inward with curiosity and reverence. This practice reminds us that by knowing ourselves, we come closer to knowing Spirit.


Practices to Turn Inward

1. Yoga Asana Practice

Certain postures naturally invite us to turn inward, listen deeply, and connect with Spirit:

  1. Balasana (Child’s Pose): A posture of surrender. Rest your forehead on the mat, and imagine bowing to the Divine within you.
  2. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold): As you fold forward, feel yourself drawing inward, leaving behind outer distractions.
  3. Sukhasana with Hands at Heart (Easy Seat): Sit tall, palms pressed together at your heart. Breathe into the space of the heart center, the seat of the Higher Self.


2. Breath-Centered Meditation

  1. Sit quietly, noticing the natural flow of your breath.
  2. Each inhale: “I turn inward.”
  3. Each exhale: “I connect with the Divine.”
  4. Allow the repetition to gently draw you into your inner landscape.


3. Sacred Text Reflection

Choose a line from a sacred text, mantra, or teaching that resonates with you (such as the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, or even poetry that uplifts your spirit). Read it slowly, aloud if possible. Sit with its meaning, and notice how it reflects your own inner journey.


4. Journaling for Self-Inquiry

Write on this prompt:

  1. What part of me longs to be seen, and how might acknowledging it bring me closer to Spirit?
  2. Journaling in this way becomes not just reflection, but communion with your Higher Self.


5. Mantra Practice

Chanting mantras such as So Hum (“I am That”) can help quiet the mind and awaken awareness of our true essence. With each repetition, we remember our unity with all that is.


Off-the-Mat Integration

  1. Silent Walk: Take a walk without music or distraction. Notice nature, your breath, and the stillness within.
  2. Mirror Gazing: Look into your own eyes in the mirror for a few breaths each day, affirming, “I see the Divine within me.”
  3. Digital Fasting: Step back from external noise—news, scrolling, constant stimulation—so you can hear the quiet voice of your Higher Self.


The Gift of Svādhyāya

Through Svādhyāya, we learn that self-study is not about judgment or perfection. It is a sacred act of remembering who we are beneath the roles, stories, and distractions. As we come closer to our own essence, we come closer to the Divine itself.

May your Svādhyāya come from a place of love and kindness.

Namaste,

Resa

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