Do you know your values?
Our personal and professional values help us make decisions and feel aligned with ourselves. They are the principles and beliefs that define who you are, what you stand for, and how you interact with the world around you.
When we operate with misaligned values - or aren't sure of our values - things can start feeling....gross.
In yoga world, we have the Yamas (moral disciplines) and Niyamas (ethical guidelines) that many yogins choose to follow or adapt as their personal values.
Yamas: Ethical restraints, moral disciplines
Ahimsa: non-harming
Satya: truthfulness
Asteya: non-stealing
Bramacharya: right use of energy
Aparigraha: non-greed
Niyamas: Ethical guidelines, observances
Saucha: cleanliness
Santosha: contentment
Tapas: discipline
Svadhyaya: study of the self
Isvara Pranidhana: contemplation of a higher power
Finding your personal values is an essential step toward leading a meaningful and purposeful life. Let’s explore the process of discovering your personal values, drawing inspiration from the Yamas and Niyamas.
Understanding Yamas and Niyamas
The Yamas and Niyamas are two sets of ethical and moral principles outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a foundational text for many yoga practitioners. These guidelines provide a framework for living a balanced and harmonious life, both internally and externally.
Yamas: The moral and ethical guidelines that pertain to our interactions with the external world. There are five Yamas:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa teaches us to practice compassion and avoid harming others physically, emotionally, or verbally. It encourages us to cultivate kindness and empathy in our interactions.
Satya (Truthfulness): Satya emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in our words and actions. It encourages us to speak the truth with kindness and integrity.
Asteya (Non-stealing): Asteya urges us to refrain from taking what doesn't belong to us, not only in terms of physical possessions but also in terms of time, energy, and trust.
Brahmacharya (Moderation): Brahmacharya teaches us to use our energy and resources mindfully and to practice self-control in our desires and attachments.
Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Aparigraha advises us to let go of excessive materialism and attachment to possessions, fostering contentment with what we have.
Niyamas: The Niyamas are personal observances that pertain to our inner world and self-discipline. There are also five Niyamas:
Saucha (Purity): Saucha encourages us to purify our body and mind, both through external cleanliness and inner clarity. It involves practicing healthy habits and avoiding mental and emotional clutter.
Santosha (Contentment): Santosha invites us to find contentment and gratitude in the present moment, irrespective of external circumstances.
Tapas (Discipline): Tapas teaches us to cultivate self-discipline and determination in our pursuit of personal and spiritual growth.
Svadhyaya (Self-study): Svadhyaya encourages us to explore self-reflection, self-awareness, and the study of sacred texts to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our values.
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power): Ishvara Pranidhana reminds us to surrender to a higher purpose or power, acknowledging that there is something greater than ourselves at work in the universe.
Applying Yamas and Niyamas to Your Personal Values
Now, let's dive into how you can use these principles to discover your personal values.
Ahimsa and Satya:
Contemplations: What actions and behaviors align with these values? Are you committed to being truthful in all your interactions? Do you strive to avoid causing harm to others?
Related personal values: honesty, empathy, kindness, transparency
Asteya and Aparigraha:
Contemplations: Do you find fulfillment in accumulating wealth or material possessions? Or do you lean towards a more minimalist and non-possessive lifestyle?
Related personal values: simplicity, generosity, frugality, efficiency, contentment
Santosha and Tapas:
Contemplations: Are you often dissatisfied and constantly striving for more, or can you find contentment in the present moment? Do you have the discipline to pursue your goals and stick to your commitments?
Related personal values: contentment, perseverance, self-control, self-discipline, structure
Svadhyaya and Ishvara Pranidhana:
Contemplations: Are you dedicated to self-reflection and continuous self-improvement? Do you have faith in something greater than yourself, whether it's a spiritual belief or a higher purpose?
Related personal values: self-awareness, spiritual growth, humility, connection with nature, connection with animals
Discovering your personal values is an ongoing journey that requires self-awareness, introspection, and a willingness to align your actions with your principles.
By drawing inspiration from the Yamas and Niyamas, you can embark on this meaningful exploration, shaping your life in a way that reflects your truest self and contributes to a more compassionate and harmonious world.
Remember that your values are unique to you, and as you uncover them, they will serve as a guiding light on your path to an aligned, authentic life.
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