Study Your Self and Nature
Tiny flowers in the forest near my home.
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
As I write this, the birds are singing their goodnight songs to the sun and it seems like a perfect affirmation to the choice of what to write. Rather than focussing on a posture (Asana) this month, I wanted to focus on another of my favourite ways to practice Yoga - Svadhyaya (Self-Study). It's also said to be the study of Nature and sacred texts.
You can think of this as self-reflection as well. For me, I find that time in Nature is one ideal place for self-study as it feels like being truly Home. It's also more quiet and the pace is slower than urban areas. Taking photos, like the one above, and/or giving my full attention to Nature brings me to a meditative state similar to what I find through Asana or Yoga Nidra. There is a great deal we can learn from time spent close to the earth and her other inhabitants. This is the kind of self-reflection that we also bring to the mat. We set aside our day and to-do lists and focus on our breath, body and whatever else shows up on the mat with us.
Of course, you can study yourself at any time, in any place, if you simply pay attention. That's the beauty of Yoga. Whenever you focus more on the moment, whether it be by gazing at a sunset, feeling your breath or noticing what thoughts or emotions have been brought to the surface by any circumstance, that is your Yoga.
Set your gaze on Nature, your Self or any texts that you dive into deeply and you will be pointed to some form of truth or wisdom. I'd love to hear what you find when you look.
Enjoy your studies,
Alissa