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Exploring
Satya
Strategies
for helping students cultivate honesty in their yoga practice.
Satya
is the second of the 10 yoga ethics - it is often described as honesty or
truthfulness, in thought, speech, and action. The Yoga Sutras suggest that
when we practice honesty, "the fruits of actions naturally result,
according to the will of the Yogi." In other words, honesty enhances
our ability to act skillfully.
How
can you address satya in the yoga classroom? The following suggestions can
help you direct students' attention to the process of accurate
self-observation and integrity in action. These processes cultivate
honesty, by helping us see clearly and act according to the truth of the
present moment.
-
At
the beginning of the class, during or after an opening meditation, ask
students to consider their motivation and intention for the practice.
Invite students to ask themselves the simple questions, "Why am I
here?" This helps students get in touch with their personal
truth, and may trigger realizations from the prosaic ("I'm here-
in yoga class- to unwind") to the sublime ("I am here - on
this planet - to follow my calling").
-
Include
the practice of an alignment "reality check" in your
classes. There are several ways to do this. After you describe certain
alignment points in a pose (such as, knee directly over heel, midline
of knee aligned with second toe), ask students to conscientiously
study their own body. An alternative is to have students work with a
partner, who provides the reality check feedback. This can be a simple
practice, introduced with a friendly attitude.
-
Include
the practice of a physical and mental "reality check".
Invite students to be honest with themselves about their comfort and
steadiness in a yoga pose. Create a progression of related poses, each
slightly more challenging than the last. In each pose, have students
observe their breath, attitude, physical steadiness, and physical
comfort. Encourage students to move into the next pose in the
progression only if they have a steady breath, calm mind, and physical
steadiness and comfort. Some students may choose to ignore reality,
but will typically find that when they do, the results are counter to
their intention (greater discomfort, injury, embarassment, etc.).
-
Include
a truth-telling meditation or reflection at the end of class. Bring
students into a comfortable position (in savasana or in a seated
meditation). Have the students practice simple breath awareness for at
least a minute. Then, ask them to ask themselves one or more of
the following questions: "Is there anything I should know?"
[Pause for one minute, then repeat question. Pause for one minute
more.] "What am I not being honest about in my life?" [Pause
for one minute, then repeat question. Pause for one minute more.]
"What do I want to tell someone?" [Pause for one minute,
then repeat question. Pause for one minute more.] "What do I need
to do?" [Pause for one minute, then repeat question. Pause for
one minute more.]
In
addition, you can help students develop satya by modeling it. Be honest
with your students. Practice truthfulness in what tell students in class.
Teach what you know to be true. Teach what you practice. Teach what you
have fully integrated into your own life. Follow through on promises and
commitments.
Explore
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