The Niyamas
Join us as we do a deep dive into the niyamas and share a yoga pose that represents each one!
1. Saucha
The first niyama is Saucha, which emphasizes purity in body, mind, and environment, encouraging clarity and hygiene in all aspects of life. This niyama calls for both physical cleanliness and mental clarity. Practicing Saucha helps create a harmonious inner and outer space for growth.
Pose best to represent this niyama: Tadasana (Mountain Pose) – Tadasana is a posture that fosters alignment and clarity, grounding the body while cultivating a sense of balance and purity.
2. Santosha
Santosha is the practice of accepting life as it is, finding satisfaction in the present moment. It’s about cultivating gratitude, joy, and peace without attachment to external circumstances. This niyama helps develop a deep sense of inner happiness.
Pose to represent this niyama: Balasana (Child’s Pose) – A restorative and grounding pose that encourages a sense of peace, surrender, and contentment in the present moment
3. Tapas
Tapas refers to the discipline and inner strength to push through challenges and maintain consistent effort in practice and life. It’s about cultivating resilience, focus, and the willingness to transform through effort. Tapas fuels personal growth and perseverance.
Pose to best represent this niyama: Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose) – A pose that builds strength and discipline, requiring focus and effort to maintain proper form. Form for this pose like the top of a push-up, where you hold your body in a straight line from head to heels, supported by your hands and toes. Keep your hands under your shoulders, tighten your belly muscles, and avoid letting your hips sag or lift too high. Strength in found by the resilience of holding of the form and calming of the mind.
4. Svadhyaya
Svadhyaya is the practice of self-reflection and introspection, as well as studying spiritual texts for deeper understanding. It encourages self-awareness and mindfulness in every aspect of life. Through self-study, we gain clarity and insight into our own patterns and behaviors.
Pose to represent this niyama: Sukhasana (Easy Pose) – A seated pose ideal for meditation and reflection, inviting introspection and a deeper connection to one’s inner thoughts and feelings. Sukhasana is a simple seated position where you sit cross-legged with your back straight and hands resting on your knees. Relax your shoulders, keep your head aligned with your spine, and focus on steady breathing to promote calmness and stability.
5. Ishvara Pranidhana
Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of surrendering to a higher power, trusting in a divine force greater than oneself. It encourages humility, devotion, and a sense of divine guidance in life’s journey. This niyama fosters a deep connection to something beyond the ego.
Pose to best represent this niyama: Anahatasana (Heart Melting Pose) – A pose that opens the chest and invites surrender, creating space for humility, trust, and connection to the divine. To practice Anahatasana, or Heart Melting Pose, start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. Walk your hands forward while keeping your hips stacked above your knees, then lower your chest toward the floor, allowing your heart to “melt” downward. Rest your forehead or chin on the mat, relax your shoulders, and breathe deeply to open your chest and stretch your upper back.
How do you surrender to the divine in yoga? Do you implement this into your daily life as well? Do you have other yoga poses in mind that best represent these niyamas to you? Share your practices and experiences in the comments below.