Saucha ~ Cleanliness

Spring! One reason to take a New Year's resolution and give it another try. Maybe it's to get more organized, exercise and floss more or eat healthier? We have patterns that form and as nature transforms beginning new patterns, why shouldn't we? As the snow melts and the ground thaws, eventually all the brown and yuck turn again into bright and textured landscapes. We all need some saucha this month to wash away the leftovers of winter and prepare for summer.

There are many places that we may want to cleanse...Do you hear your body calling "me first?" Or maybe it's the oven, closet, bathroom, car, etc...ignore them for now, they'll be there waiting AFTER you tend to your body, your self first. We can renovate a home or build a new house, but we only have one body and mind in this lifetime.

Through asana (postures) and pranyama (breath work), we can cleanse our bodies to become lighter and our minds to become clearer. What we consume for liquid and food, and how we take care of our personal hygiene, contribute to our physical cleanliness that affects our nonphysical or spiritual saucha. When we feel good and internal conflict is nonexistent, it's easier to interact with our external world with ease and less attachment. Confidence shines when our body and mind are in unison, and the rest flows into the plan.

Like a tree budding in spring, make the time to assess the places within your body and mind that need attention and alteration. Nourish all the buds within, spring clean your body & mind, change unwanted habits, one at a time. Observe and encourage each bud as it opens into something new and take great care of your blossoms!