Satya Week 2: Self-Expression

Today is a special day! I graduated my teacher training program 1 year ago today and the last year has been one of the most fulfilling. I have come so far in my teaching in the last year and I’m excited to continue learning and growing.

This week we’re looking at the second aspect of Satya truthfulness: Self-Expression. In Deborah Adele’s The Yamas and Niyamas she contrasts self-expression with self-indulgence. Its an interesting addition to last week’s focus on “being nice” instead of being true to oneself. Adele argues that when we are not true to ourselves, when our true expression is muted in some way, we look elsewhere for that expression or fulfillment.

In Hinduism and Buddhism and other Eastern religions there is the concept of Dharma, which is similar to (and likely comes from) the yogic Yamas: principles for “right living.” If you are living your dharma, you are living in harmony with the cosmic law and order, you are walking the path that God has laid before, you are being true to yourself.

When we are, as Adele puts it, “being nice” and behaving the way we think we “should,” there will inevitably be aspects of ourselves and our lives that are not in line with our dharma. There is a feeling inside of us that recognizes the disconnect, and often instead of changing our behavior to follow our dharma we fall into patterns of self-indulgence to try to fill the emptiness or lack that we feel as a result.

The result is always a misdirection of energy

We might drink too much or shop too much, work too much or continue unhealthy relationships. We act out because in our heart there is something that knows this is not right. This is not me. I’m “being nice” but I’m not being me.

When we follow our dharma — what Adele calls “self-expression” — we are able to show up more fully in our lives that ripples out into the world.

Living the life that cries to be lived from the depth of our being frees up a lot of energy and vitality.

Following the little voice inside that is unique to you, following your own unique path feels energizing and inspiring. When you feel like you are fully being yourself and doing the things you want to be doing you feel more fulfilled, more hopeful, more joyful. More able to be there for your loved ones when they need you. You might no longer feel the need to shop for things you don’t need, eat things you don’t really want, or bury yourself in work because your dharma fills that need inside of you.

The last year of teaching yoga has for me been long-awaited action taken on a deep desire/calling/dream that existed for years, but that I put off for various reasons. Although it takes time to continue learning, exploring, preparing for class, the harmony that I feel offering classes to my students is so inspiring that it gives me energy and hope. It feels good to be able to give to my students. To be able to give them something that I value deeply and feel passionately about, and watch them create their own community around it is a 360 degree gift of goodness. It puts more love, compassion and good into the world.

Following your dharma is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Take the leap. This week,

If you find yourself in self-indulgence, as yourself, “what am I not expressing?”

That question could be a window into following your dharma.