Saucha
Over the past few weeks I have shared about the 5 Yamas in yogic philosophy, which we strive to avoid or restrain from in our practice. This week we will move on to the Niyamas, which are concepts we strive toward in our practice.
The first Niyama is Saucha, often translated as purity or cleanliness. Over the centuries saucha has been put into practice in a variety of ways, some quite extreme. As I explored different interpretations, I was struck by the perspective of the practice of saucha as a way of returning to our true nature. Pealing back the layers of expectations and judgements along with increasing our awareness of the effects the things we consume have on our body, mind, and spirit can provide a path to awakening to our own true nature.
“May all beings awaken to the light of their own true nature” is an essential part of the metta blessing of lovingkindness I offer in my classes. I believe that the true nature of every human is good and kind. When we become distanced or removed from our true nature due to external expectations, pressure to conform, abuse, and other negative influences, we lose sight of that essential goodness and act in ways that harm ourselves and others. Awakening to our own light and letting it shine is the first step in making our world a more humane and loving place.
In the vein of tuning into our true nature, the energy of this weekend’s Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pisces promises to be emotional and transformative, providing opportunities to release deeply buried secrets and shame in order to reveal our true and authentic selves. Learn more at Forever Conscious.
To soothe and care for ourselves during in the midst of this tumultuous energy, please join me this weekend for Saturday Morning Yoga (virtual) at 8:30 AM MT and/or a Full Moon Sound Bath (virtual or in person) Saturday afternoon, at 3PM MT.
NEW! This fall I am offering The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion via Zoom on Sunday afternoons. In this 6 session course you will learn to use the skills of mindfulness to develop the inner resource of self-compassion and enhance your capacity for emotional wellbeing. Early Bird pricing is available through September 15. More course details are available below and on my website. 12 hours of CEs available. I will also be offering the full MSC course over 10 weeks through the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work Continuing Education on Tuesday evenings beginning October 7. More information on registration will be coming soon.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for an in person Winter Solstice Mini-Retreat on December 20 from 3-5 PM at Harmonist Sanctuary, Denver. Registration and details coming soon!
EDUCATORS! Registration is open for next summer’s Mindfulness Retreat for Educators. Space is limited, so sign up early!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Full Moon Sound Baths
September 6, 3-4 PM
October 4, 3-4 PM
November 1, 3-4 PM
The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion
Sundays 10/12/25 - 11/23/25 12:00-1:30 PM MT (No class 10/26/25) via Zoom
Course Investment - $225 (Early Bird Price $200 if registered by 9/15/25)
Certificate for 12 Continuing Education (CEs) hours
Winter Solstice Mini-Retreat
Saturday, December 20 3-5 PM MT
Harmonist Sanctuary, Denver
Registration coming soon
Mindfulness Retreat for Educators -
June 13-17, 2026
Certificate for 35 Continuing Education (CEs) hours
Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!
I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.
As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel.You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free, the latest is a Chakra Clearing Sound Bath. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.
May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️