Niyamas: The Inner Path of Yoga

If the Yamas guide how we relate to the world around us, the Niyamas are about how we care for ourselves from the inside. They are the second step on the eightfold path of yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

The word Niyama means observances or inner disciplines. These practices help us cultivate clarity, resilience, and peace within. Just like the Yamas, the Niyamas are not rigid rules but gentle invitations to live with greater awareness. They are reminders that yoga is as much about who we are becoming off the mat as it is about the poses we practice on it.

Shaucha

Shaucha means purity or cleanliness. This is not only about physical cleanliness but also about clarity in our thoughts, our environment, and even our relationships. When we practice shaucha, we create space for energy to flow more freely.

Santosha

Santosha is contentment. It is the practice of being at peace with what is, rather than always chasing what is next. For me, santosha feels like pausing to appreciate the small moments sunlight through the window, a quiet breath, a smile shared with a stranger. It is simple, but not always easy.

Tapas

Tapas means discipline or the fire of transformation. It is the willingness to stay with the practice even when it feels difficult. Tapas is what brings growth. It shows up every time we meet resistance with courage, every time we stay committed to what matters to us.

Svādhyāya

Svādhyāya is self-study. This can mean studying sacred texts, but also studying ourselves. It is the practice of observing our thoughts and patterns without judgment. Journaling, meditation, or simply noticing how we react in daily life are all forms of svādhyāya. It teaches us to see ourselves more clearly and with compassion.

Ishvarapranidhana

Ishvarapranidhana means surrender to something greater than ourselves. Some interpret it as devotion to the divine, others as trust in the natural flow of life. For me it feels like loosening my grip on control and remembering that I am part of something larger.

Living the Niyamas

The Niyamas are a daily practice. They are about how we create inner balance, how we nourish ourselves so we can show up fully in the world. They remind me that yoga is not about perfection but about presence.

When I return to the Niyamas, I find both discipline and gentleness. I am reminded that strength and surrender can exist together. And I see again that yoga is not just something I do, but the way I choose to live.