Saucha is the first of the Niyamas, a set of concepts on the inner relationship with oneself and how we cultivate our personal and spiritual development.

Saucha is a Sanskrit word meaning Purity, Cleanliness and also includes the concept of “this. not that”, of knowing what you are to bring into your life to vibrate and progress to a higher consciousness, and what needs to be eliminated or moved away from.  To the untrained mind this might bring the conclusion home of depriving when it implies the opposite.  Once one makes finer choices in all walks of life, experiences becomes heightened and pure.  For example, inviting gentleness and gentle people into your life brings possibilities for finer  soul-sharing experiences.  Choosing not to consume fast foods, meat, food that is prepared without love and care, refines the palette and nourishes both the body and soul and intellect.  The smell and taste of a fruit becomes exquisite and appreciated.

We also choose our thoughts and keep what we think positive and clean, non-harmful towards ourselves and others, as we realize the power of thoughts and how it affects Self and Others.  We choose to stimulate the intellect with positive knowledge and learning that moves us forward in all aspects of our being – in thought, conversation, health, art, freedom of movement to be who we truly are – manifesting a beauty from the inside out.

Saucha is a complete philosophy and no longer the ignorant perception of washing the physical body.  Once we vibrate in purity, we extend this consciousness to our personal surroundings.  Our homes become fresh, uncluttered and filled with Light.  We contribute this to our environment, in our interactions with others.

Purity is beauty.  Real beauty.  It is for everyone to have and to share.  Start in manifesting “this and not that” in your body, mind, people in your life, environment.  Experience the essence of  whole food, whole relationships, a whole body, whole soul and all things beautiful and simplistic!