Svadhyaya

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Svadhyaya. The art of self study. Dhyaya which comes from the root verb of dhyai means to contemplate, to think on, to recollect or to call to mind.

I recently came across a website, filled with inspiration and beauty;Yoga international .( https://yogainternational.com/) A platform for information on the practice, its history & meaning, its benefits and links and info on workshops, classes and so much more !

When reading about the art of self study, I became a lot more aware of what it is that a lot of us within the yogic circle (and most of us subconsciously) are doing. Discovering ourselves, pushing ourselves to the limit whether that be mentally or physically (yogis). Or both.

The aim of Svadhyaya is awareness and consciousness. To bring a state of consciousness to thy self. However, our subconscious mind is just as vital as our conscious mind. Something we must remember.

A conscious mind is ones objective or thinking mind. It identifies, compares, analyses and decides. It manifests, creates and holds power on imprinting on the subconscious.

A powerful mantra which can be repeated as often as possible is "My subconscious mind is my partner in success." By repeating this, you are validating the importance and the truth in these words, manifesting positivity and giving yourself control over your thoughts and emotions.

Your thoughts, vibrations, energy and self limitations or goals are always achieved when "What you focus on your attract."

Our conscious mind is the guardian of the subconscious mind.

Record your thoughts

I was advised by someone in the recent past to keep a logbook of my daily work and and what it is I achieved that day and completed. I bought 2 logbooks. A work one and a personal one. Not a diary. A logbook for my thoughts.

When something comes to mind which I feel it important to remember, I will write it down and then research further into it later on when I am ready. I want to be aware of both my conscious and subsoncious as I feel it important.

I purchased a journal from a company which produces enchanting looking illustrated journals, diaries, notebooks etc. The front cover is of a mermaid under the sun, embedded into the oceans waves. As soon as I laid my eyes upon it, I knew this was the book for me.

It reads:

' Close your eyes and dream a dream and seek the courage to make it real. Reflect on the past. Envision the future and embrace today with an open heart and soul.'

As soon as I read this, I felt a dozen questions, thoughts and words pop to the front of my mind. I had the intention of writing in it that day but didn't end up doing so. I had actually bought it after a terrible night, where I could not for the life of me sleep until the early hours of 5am.

That same day, I told myself that I was going to have to fix this because this habit wasn't going to work for me. Wasn't what I wanted in my life. I have to gain control of my mentality and know where I stand with myself in order to regain energy and remain stable and well.

That same day, the day I hadn't slept, the day I had bought the notebook and the day I had intended on writing in it I ended up having the loveliest day I had had all week.

The sun had come out to say hello, the beach was looking magic and the temperature was warm. Yes, you heard me - warm. In the Uk. In March. Miracle!

With sandy dogs bouncing about on the sand wagging their fluffy tails like there's no tomorrow, this was more than enough to bring out a smile. But best of all? I had wonderful company.

Back to Svadhyaya. All the little things one does in life mean something. I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason, whether that be good or bad. Some may argue that this is a form of escapism to hide from reality. But I simply do not believe that for a second. This is reality. We learn from our mistakes, our heartbreaks, our failed work, but also from our ongoing lives.

It is a constant road of self discovery, but through yoga and learning about thy self, we are able to embrace all of the good in us and all of the bad, the charming side and our maybe not so attractive side. We are able to feel a little peace and a little love toward ourselves.

Practice gives clarity. So many inspirational scriptures, readings, poems or lectures delivered by those who seem to have acquired inner knowledge are available to us. Use this to your advantage ! Shakespeare is among them.

Sonnet 53 is opened with these lines:

What is your substance, whereof are you made, That millions of strange shadows on you tend? Since every one hath, every one, one shade, And you, but one, can every shadow lend.

Author Rolf Sovik has interpreted these lines as ' the words shadow and shade to mean individual human souls, then Shakespeare is portraying us all as strange shadows—shades who only darkly reveal the light dwelling within us. To paraphrase Shakespeare, then, we might ask, what is the substance in which every individual soul has its existence? As we have seen, this is svadhyaya’s essential question. '

Montrajapa - theThe first step is to begin with the practice of repetition of a mantra in meditation. Try and rest in the mantra for 10 - 20 minutes each morning or evening, or hell if you fancy it both! The silent witness within yourself will gradually awaken as you are embracing yourself.

An eye opening quote in Yoga International says that "When a mantra prominates the mind, it draws awareness in while the outward-going aspects of the mind become silent." Give it a go. Whats the worse that could happen?

Yoga means unity. To be united. Go beyond the limitations of the body, the mind and its senses. Who knows what you might find?

There are many ways to self discovery, not just yoga obviously. But this is the path I have chosen and the one I will continue to travel on.

Writing helps me to understand how I feel which can be helpful when reading back on or just simply venting. Which is why I decided on keeping a more logical notebook. Talking of which, I finally wrote in it. At the moment it is just a bunch of questions. Not particularly helpful. But, a start nonetheless. Here are some of them, they might make you think a little as they did I.

Dreams

Are they what we truly want?

What do they mean?

Why are they so strong?

What do I want?

What am I craving?

What do I need?

What are my ambitions?

My Body

How does my body feel?

How does my body feel physically?

How does my body feel mentally?

How does my body feel emotionally?

What contribute to these factors?

What currently contributes?

Nutrition

Note down food patterns

Note down mood swings

Write down new recipes I've made up

Experiment more

Italian

Attraversiamo - What does this word mean to me? Why can I not stop thinking about it? Is it because of it's definition? Because of the sound?

Eat, Pray, Love

Write down everything I learn from Elizabeth Gilbert (Author) She's teaching me honest life lessons.

Adventures + Trips Abroad

Where do I want to go next?

Who do I want to experience this with?

When am I going to just go?

Not just my notes.. but my instagram was also written onto that same night.

I made a post all about the power of meditation and the positive aspects it can lead our lives toward. I did this because I had got myself into such a state of anxiety not being able to get some shut eye, that I was begining to feel heart pelpatations. So I meditated. It helped. It calmed me down.

Reading all this again, and thinking it over yet again makes me realise just how blessed I feel to live where I do and take on a project reflecting my passion (and slight obsession) with various of the subject matters.

My next step toward the project is to look into Buddhism and interview some buddhists.

I am aiming to do some more videography on certain shoots as I want to experiment with this line of storytelling and see what happens.

I'm going to finish up my blog post with these words.. I hope you can appreciate them. They are my current mantra which I read whenever I am feeling a little funny. They allow my mind to wonder into another world.

M e d i t a t e ::: manifest good vibes ::: imagination is one of our strongest senses :::: Create your own future. Dream. Expect nothing, but appreciate everything.

Live a life that causes your soul to dance inside of your body , sets it on fire. Learn constantly. Wander. Stay curious, wild, determined. Believe in the impossible. Fall in love with moments. Love deeply, passionately, whole heartedly. Have courage & be kind. Invest in those who invest in you. Meditate, meditate, meditate. Don't overthink, allow your thoughts to flow. Practice yoga. Nourish your body to the best of your ability. The little things have the biggest impact and end up meaning the most in life. Take it a day at a time.. give yourself the benefit of the doubt. 🌟

r a d i a t e l o v e ::