Meet the TTs | Yamas
On Friday the 13th, 2017, Three Jewels launched our first Yoga Teacher Training in partnership with Sarva Yoga Academy. I am so thankful that Three Jewels is offering this wide body of precious knowledge for the benefit of our sangha (and for all beings everywhere)!
In this special blog series, we will introduce you to our yoga teacher trainees (The TT's) as they share some of this beautiful wisdom with our community. Yoga Teacher Training truly transformed the way I view and operate in the world, starting with the first limb - the Yamas! Yamas are ethical restraints by which a yogi abides as the foundation of this practice, a true science of life. David and Lindsay discuss Satya (being wholly truthful) and Ahimsa (non-violence) below.
SATYA
Shared by David Celis Garcia
Although at first they may sound like the Ten Commandments (thou shalt not lie, steal, have impure thoughts or actions, etc.) the Yamas approach ethics in a different way. Restricting negative behaviours is not only of benefit to one’s path, but also of benefit to others, which is one of the most special means the Yamas serve. Studying the Yamas led me to identify the importance of Satya (not lying) and give a name to it.
I have noticed that I tend to withhold information just to avoid confrontation (it could be the Catholic boy mentality of being good and not stirring up any trouble). There have been instances in my marriage that have shone light on this. Although my instincts were telling me to express myself, I would stop myself from being completely open and honest - even in simple situations like what I preferred to do on a Sunday. Resentment began to build up, which resulted in lashing out at each other. Sometimes it seemed as if we didn't even know what we were arguing about. At other times, we realized what was really bothering us was something that happened weeks, or even months, before. Once I understood the importance of sharing my thoughts and feelings fully, and let go of the idea that my opinions are not as valuable as others', we experienced a wonderful change in our relationship. Embracing Satya and sharing my full truth with my spouse has resulted in a more loving, intimate and stronger marriage.
AHIMSA
Shared by Lindsay Komp
The yama that has been most relevant to my spiritual journey is Ahimsa, meaning non-harming. Ahimsa can take many forms, but I’ve found that I resonate with this yama especially in the context of not harming oneself. Negative self-talk and self-doubt have been major barriers to growth within my personal practice. Through reminding myself to abide by Ahimsa, I am able to better regulate these thoughts and push through these internal obstacles by recognizing that they have no benefit to me or my practice.
The first limb of yoga has set a base in my mind from which I continue to build. Since learning about these ethical restraints, I have found myself constantly analyzing my thoughts and actions to ensure that they match up with these values. With this base, I have learned how to clean out the dust and start fresh on this journey.
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We are all very excited to witness the breakthroughs and realizations that will unfold during Three Jewels x Sarva Yoga Teacher Training. Stay tuned for our next installment to learn about the rest of the yogic yamas.
In Lightening,
Allison Joy Phillips, Director of Yoga