Svādhyāya means self-study, self-reflection. It is one of the five niyamas. The Niyamas describe tasks directed towards the self in the 8 limbed path of yoga.
Here are five tried and true methods I use to practice svādhyāya:
- Meditation
Meditation can take on many forms. It doesn’t necessarily need to look like sitting in a quiet space with your eyes closed—but it definitely can! The essential activity of meditation is conscious observation of your thoughts. Based on this, any solo activity that requires your full presence could be considered a meditation: hiking, receiving acupuncture, sitting in a sauna, floating in a sensory deprivation tank… you get the idea. - Yoga
In yoga philosophy, we have three bodies—the physical, the subtle, and the spiritual. Through an asana practice (the physical form of yoga), we can get in touch with our subtle bodies, where our emotions live.
Yoga can help reconnect you to your body through breath and movement. Through body awareness, the practice of yoga increases your ability for emotional self-awareness. It can open your eyes to feelings you may have buried or forgotten. Hatha, Gentle, Yin, or Restorative yoga are great options for cultivating this relationship with your body. - Personal Astrology
It’s all energy. Science shows us that we are beings made of energy. The energies that surround us have an impact too. Consider how the moon inspires the earth’s tides or how the sun changes the circadian rhythm. The astrological natal chart is a snapshot of the celestial energies at play when you emerged onto the material plane; therefore, your existence reflects those energies.
Your natal chart shows prominent storylines and your general disposition. It can also identify personal challenges, innate talents, and what your soul craves. Your astrological birth chart is also a powerful roadmap that on a journey of holistic healing. It is an immense privilege and a gift to access this knowledge. - Therapy
There is nothing quite like airing out your interpersonal drama and inner thoughts to a neutral (in theory) third party. It’s a mandated safe space, thank you HIPAA laws. A contained session to express or understand complicated emotions, and have someone reflect it to you. Talking something out helps me understand myself more. Therapy helps. - Journaling
Journaling is a method for purging the mental chatter that rattles off in your brain. It can help you organize your thoughts and priorities. It can help you unpack your feelings that you might not be ready to share. It can help you reflect on memories or hopeful dreams privately. In many ways, it’s sort of like self-conducted therapy.
As you begin to turn inward and reconnect with your true self, svādhyāya can feel like a task that requires boundaries, contained within specific activities. As your relationship with yourself deepens, it will become easier to receive the answers you desire from within, independently of anything listed above.
