Satya - Truthfulness and the dance with Nonviolence.

Satya, a fundamental principle in yoga philosophy, translates to truthfulness. It goes beyond honesty in speech, encompassing living authentically in alignment with our values and intentions. Practicing Satya involves being truthful in thoughts, words, and actions, fostering integrity, transparency, and clarity.

Satya is a companion of Ahimsa ( Non violence - see previous writing) even though they seem like opposite concepts, imagine yourself trying to tell the truth to someone but without causing harm, it’s not so simple. We must feel safe to be able to tell the truth.

I remember my dear dear friend Cathy who had come back from the most liberating trip from Peru when she had climbed Machu Picchu, camped in nature and experienced the world like she hadn’t before. While she was on this trip she had given up shaving her legs because it just wasn’t practical or even “necessary”. When she arrived back to urban and everyday life in Tokyo she decided she would no longer shave her legs because it was tiresome and who can blame her - it is tiresome! After a while she noticed that people who she didn’t know would stare at her legs or perhaps even whisper about her. Cathy asked me directly what I thought about her unshaven legs and I was so glad that she could trust me enough to give her an honest answer. I told her that as her friend I absolutely did not care what she looked like. I loved that she was being herself and was not bogged down with yet another chore. However it was not the societal norm and that she couldn’t stop people who didn’t know her looking or commenting on her legs. I told Cathy that she would have to make up her mind what was most important to her - fitting in and having more self maintenance to do or not fitting in and putting up with people’s comments. She agreed. I think I managed to use both Satya and Ahimsa side by side here, it felt like the kindest answer to give even though I personally chose to shave my legs and still do. I love Cathy, every single part of her, I don’t remember which path she chose but in retrospect over 20 years later as I am writing this I hope it was the path most authentic to herself, it takes so much energy to pretend.

In my own personal life I find myself trying to fit in quite a lot. I stand out like a sore thumb here in Tokyo. As a tall, white woman in a sea of smaller Japanese women it can be a hard. I know when I am trying to hard and not being honest with myself when Japanese people comment that I am more Japanese than a Japanese person. It’s hard to be authentic when you live outside of your own culture. These days I try to find a balance between being an ambassador for my own culture whilst fitting in whilst also making plenty of room for the real me where my energy flows the best.

Here are 3 exercises you can practice to strengthen your awareness of Satya if you want to understand the principle a little better and how it relates to you.

1. **Mindful Self-Reflection**

Set aside time each day for self-reflection. Sit quietly and reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and actions with honesty and openness. Ask yourself probing questions to uncover any discrepancies between your beliefs and behaviors. Journaling can be a helpful tool to record your reflections and insights, allowing you to deepen your understanding of yourself and practice Satya in your daily life.

2. **Practice Honest Communication**

Engage in conversations with others with a commitment to honesty and authenticity. Practice active listening and speak your truth with kindness and compassion. Be mindful of your words and intentions, ensuring they align with your values and beliefs. By communicating openly and truthfully, you can build trust, strengthen relationships, and create a culture of transparency and respect.

3. **Cultivate Awareness Through Yoga**

Incorporate yoga as a mindful practice to cultivate awareness of your body, mind, and emotions. During your practice, pay attention to how you feel physically and emotionally, and honor your body's needs and limitations with honesty and compassion. Use yoga as a tool to connect with your inner truth, fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance. By integrating Satya into your yoga practice, you can deepen your connection to yourself and live with greater authenticity and integrity.