Is there anything to be learned from the thousands-of-years-old Yamas and Niyamas? Last month we began with Ahimsa, do no harm in thought word or deed. I was amazed at how many aspects of myself I had to look into. Subtle ways I harm myself through my shyness to ask for help. Subtle ways I may harm others offering solutions as if I know better than they.
And, now, truth. Truthfulness, what do you have to teach me?
We began our exploration of Truth on Canada day, when Canadians are lowering the flags to recognize the need for truth and reconciliation with indigenous people.
What is there in my history that I need to come clean with?
What would this moment be like if I were more honest with myself?
And what good is honesty without taking action to make amends?
How would I make amends to myself?
Is my perspective of the truth rigid? Or can I be open to the other’s perspective.
What tools does the approach of Non-Violent Communication as taught by Marshall Rosenberg offer in service of truthfulness.
How do I feel when I make “I” statements and speak only of my own personal experience rather than speaking generally and using the word “you”.
Does this deepen my connection with the truth of my experience?
How would Reflective Listening help?
“What I heard you say is…. did I get that right?…. is there more?”
Do I have the patience to make sure I understand what someone just said?
What is the importance of making Whole Messages?
“When you did…I imagined….and I felt… What I need is…. Therefore I request.”
Am I willing to say what I feel?
Am I willing to express what I need? That I have needs?
Can I make a request that isn’t a veiled demand?
Can I relate what you just did that bothered me without embellishing it with judgement and criticism?
What are these layers that cover up self-honesty?
Am I ashamed?
Am I carrying guilt?
Can I forgive myself?
What is the cost of the layers covering the truth inside?
What am I willing to see clearly?
What habit am I willing to let go of?
What new, empowered behavior am I willing to step forward into?
Do I have the courage to embrace the brokenness that lay inside me?
Do I have the heart to move toward a full embrace of loving kindness?
Am I willing to say no, when that’s what I feel inside?
You can jump in and join our conversation anytime to explore with us.
Check out our Recommended Books here, including Non-Violent Communication and the book we are referencing on the Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele.
2 Responses
Thank you for this post. What a good idea to pose queries for reflection. I am finding Satya to be a complex topic, difficult to access, and thinking about one query at a time is helpful. The discussions in community reveal many personal struggles and much wisdom. I cannot imagine anyone but you two anchoring this safe and sacred time of sharing on these deep subjects. Namaste.
Dear sbj54,
Thank you for your kind words. Satya, indeed, is turning out to be more complex than I thought as well. This litany of inquiries is symbolic of this topic raising more questions than conclusions. That seems to be one of the messages regarding one’s personal truth, that it can change, as a result of experience, or as a result of the needs of the moment changing.
I, too, am learning so much from the sharings and discussions during community time. I can relate to those who share that being in this community time discussion on a daily basis has created an atmosphere of self-study in my mind ever since we began with ahimsa on May 31st.
And so the journey of self discovery continues, with practice and contemplation.
Peace. Peace. Peace.