I’m Engaged…Now What: Yoga Philosophy, Sauca (Cleanliness)

When
applying sauca to our actions, bathing daily and practicing asanas (postures) consistently
will help purify our body.  Of equal
importance is our selection of food and beverages.  The food we ingest will either help to
nourish and revitalize our body or it will continue to contribute to our
negative habit patterns.  Do we look
towards sugar and sweets when we are bored or emotional?  Choosing food and beverages without hormones
and pesticides is not only better for us physically, it also allows us to practice
ahimsa. If we consciously want to purify the mind, we need to be conscious of
the types of television shows we watch, the music we listen to, the friendships
we create etc.   These must all directly
contribute to our personal growth. 
Finally,  sauca asks us to observe
our thoughts and become aware of thoughts that are damaging to ourselves and
others.
Planning your wedding is another wonderful opportunity to put sauca  to practice. Begin with a weekly bathing ritual by  (please bathe daily as well) loading up the bath tub with bath salts, lighting candles, and listening to soothing music. My favorite soap for its soothing qualities is the  Lavender Organic Glycerine Soap by Strawberry Hedgehog.  This weekly ritual not only purifies the body, it also allows you to decompress and release any stress built up in planning your wedding. This is also a wonderful time in your life to create healthy patterns, from food choices to book and television choices. Natalie Lawson, a holistic health counselor, helps individuals explore nutrition and helps them create choices based on unique body types and personal needs. As we commit to another human being, we look towards their spiritual growth as well as our own. Don Miguel Ruiz’s book  The Mastery of Love is a beautiful example of seeing our partner as an extension of the divine.
Love & Light,
Carrie