Santosha – Contentment

Santosha is being content with what we have. Santosha means to be at peace within and content with one’s life through all kinds of circumstances. There is a purpose for everything. It means being happy with what we have rather than being unhappy about what we don’t have.  Santosh, is to live in the moment, to be present. Do not focus on what you should have done or what you expect to do. Just be here now.

In south India, instead of saying thank you, they say “santosha” meaning “I am content.”

Things you can try to practice Santosha

Make the most of a negative situation

Spend time in a place of contentment today (walk in nature, hold hands with someone you love)

Do something co combat stress, practice yoga or meditate

Look for ways this week to actively “choose peace” in your thoughts about yourself and others

Affirmation for Santosha

I am content with myself and my life

I am grateful for everything that happens to me

I maintain balance in the face of hardships

I am a lighthearted being

Journal Writing Exercises:

What percent of the time are you content with yourself and your life?

What undermines your contentment?

When have you remained centered in the midst of negativity?

List reasons to be grateful

Yoga Posture for Santosha: Virasana or the Hero posture.

This one is difficult. If you can sit in Virasana and find contentment, you learn that contentment is not always an easy place.

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Saucha: Purity and Cleanliness (Niyama)

Niyama – Personal Observances

The first niyama is saucha, cleanliness of body, heart, mind and environment. Saucha has both an inner and an outer aspect. Outer cleanliness simply means keeping ourselves, our bodies clean. Inner cleanliness has to do with the clarity of our mind. Saucha is cleansing the mind of its disturbing emotions like hatred, passion, anger, lust, greed, and pride.  Practicing Saucha, we are forthright, open and clear in our actions and interactions.

Things you can try to practice Saucha

Notice what you take in as food, through all channels, mouth, ears, eyes and mind

Include plenty of fresh, unprocessed foods and pure water in your diet

Try letting go of some toxic people in your life

Try a day with out perfume or cologne

Clean your work area of clutter

Affirmation for Saucha

My heart is pure

My mind is clear

My environment is neat and clean

I eat consciously

I am an immaculate being

Journal Writing Exercises:

What are some of your habits that violate Saucha?  How can you overcome these habits?

Look at the condition of your car, desk, closets, you home, what improvements can  you make?

What thoughts do you have that are impure, or negative?  How can you transform these thoughts?

How can you simplify your life?

Yoga Posture for Saucha: Seated Ardha Matsyendrasana or the half spinal twist.

This posture is like squeezing out a washcloth, releasing the old, and then making space for the new to enter our body.

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Greetings!

Greetings!

I began my yoga journey at the age of 14. My mother & I took a class together and we were the two youngest students! Thank goodness times have changed and yoga now attracts people of all ages. Although I was the youngest in the class, I was and remain hooked.

I have carried yoga in my heart and soul ever since. Yoga is a part of my every breath.

I completed a 200 hour yoga certification at The Spirit of Yoga in Downingtown, PA. The Spirit of Yoga is a Yoga Alliance certified school, and Master Yogi, Pam Walsh instructs her students in a very diversified program of Hatha Yoga. I have carried away from her and other yoga teachers a love for a diverse practice.

My teaching style is a bit eclectic, and I take a very lighthearted approach to my classes. I hope to share energy with you.  Please join me to experience my teaching style in an all level class, open to students of all fitness levels.

I hope to see you soon,

Namaste,

Jesi Yost, RYT

Aparigraha: Non-attachment, Non-possessiveness

Aparigraha- limit possessions to what is necessary or important.  Take only what is necessary. Do not to take advantage of a situation or act greedy. Only take what is earned; if we take more, we are exploiting someone else. Aparigraha also implies letting go of our attachments to things and an understanding that impermanence and change are the only constants.  We can enjoy and use luxuries in our lives, but Aparigraha teaches us to let go of things at a moment’s notice.

Things you can try to practice Aparigraha

Give something away

Let go of an idea or belief that inhibits your capacity to discover new ideas and experiences.

Prioritize how your time and energy is spent

Streamline and simplify one thing in your life

Affirmation for Aparigraha

I let go of collection possessions

I let go of clinging to people

I keep only what I need

My life is simple and streamlined

I am contented with little, attached to nothing

Journal Writing Exercises:

What times have you let go of attachments and were rewarded?

When have you manifested exactly what you needed?

What does it mean to possess something?

What does it mean to need something?

What are some of the objects, ideas, and beliefs that you possess?

Are there any possessions that you are particularly attached to?  What and why?

Yoga Posture for Aparigraha: Ardha Mandalasana or half circle posture.

From this posture, you can let go of your attachments through your outstretched arm.

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