In a world saturated with filtered and augmented realities and curated identities, truth can feel elusive. We navigate life through layers of perception—what we tell ourselves, what we project to others, and what we choose to believe. But in yoga, truth is not just about honesty in speech; it is integrity in thought, action, and being—a continuous process of aligning with our most authentic selves.

Satya, one of the five Yamas outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, challenges us to move beyond surface-level truthfulness. It asks: What does it mean to be truly authentic? How do we balance truth with kindness? And how do we strip away illusion to align with our deepest self?

Through this exploration, we’ll delve into the philosophical roots of Satya, its relevance in modern life, and practical ways to cultivate a more truthful existence—on and off the yoga mat.

Disclosure: The following post contains affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Satya in Classical Philosophy

Satya is more than just telling the truth—it's a commitment to reality. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Satya is one of the five Yamas, ethical guidelines that shape how we interact with the world. Truthfulness is seen as a force that clears illusion, paving the way for inner freedom.

For those interested in exploring the Yamas and Niyamas further, I recommend The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele.

In the Bhagavad Gita, truth is deeply tied to Dharma—the righteous path. To live truthfully, one must act in accordance with their inner duty, even when faced with uncertainty. The Gita challenges us: Can we stand in our truth without attachment?

“The greatest homage to truth is to use it.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Balancing Truth and Compassion

Living truthfully isn't just about blunt honesty. The yogic perspective reminds us that truth must be expressed with kindness and awareness—because truth without compassion can wound rather than uplift. Satya asks us to examine our words, ensuring that what we speak aligns not only with reality but also with our deepest values and the well-being of those around us.This is where Satya meets Ahimsa (non-harm). Truth is powerful, but how we deliver it matters. Thoughtful communication allows truth to be heard rather than resisted—it becomes a tool for connection rather than division.

Shadow Work and Truthfulness

Satya invites us to examine truth in all aspects of life—including within ourselves. This is where shadow work becomes essential. Shadow work is the practice of exploring the hidden, suppressed parts of ourselves—the fears, insecurities, and emotional wounds that shape how we see and interact with the world.

Often, we avoid certain truths because they challenge our self-image or force us to acknowledge uncomfortable realities. Practicing shadow work allows us to:

* Recognize self-deception—Are we telling ourselves stories that keep us comfortable but unfulfilled?

* Heal emotional wounds—Unprocessed emotions can distort our perception of truth. Facing them brings clarity.

* Integrate all aspects of ourselves—True authenticity comes from embracing both our light and shadow.

Satya and shadow work together create a path toward radical honesty—not just with others, but with ourselves.

How Do We Practice Satya?

* Self-Inquiry: Regular reflection on our own inner dialogue is key. Are we being truthful with ourselves about what we want, need, or feel? Are we suppressing parts of ourselves to fit a narrative? Journaling, meditation, or mindful contemplation can help us uncover hidden truths.

* Truth in Speech: Truthful communication doesn’t mean being blunt—it means expressing ourselves with honesty and clarity while considering how our words affect others.

* Truth in Action: Are we living in alignment with our values? Practicing Satya means making choices that reflect our deepest truths, rather than what’s easiest or most accepted.

* Letting Go of False Narratives: Sometimes, we cling to identities or stories that are no longer true—outdated beliefs about ourselves, societal labels, or conditioned behaviors. Practicing Satya invites us to strip away illusion and embrace who we truly are.

Truth Beyond the Mat

Satya isn’t just practiced in meditation or poses—it’s lived in our interactions, choices, and self-reflection. It challenges us to be truthful in relationships, work, and personal growth. Are we living authentically, or molding ourselves to expectations? Are we listening to our intuition, or ignoring it out of fear? Truth, as yoga teaches, is a lifelong unfolding.

Challenges in Truthfulness

Living truthfully isn’t always easy. Fear of rejection, conflict, or change can make us hesitate. But yoga teaches that truth is freeing—when we step into authenticity, we deepen our connection with ourselves and others. The more we honor truth, the more peace and clarity we cultivate in our lives.

Conclusion: A Call to Live Truthfully

Truth is not static—it evolves as we deepen our self-awareness. Practicing Satya means stripping away false narratives, standing in integrity, and embracing reality with an open heart. As we step off the mat and into the world, the question remains: What does living in truth mean to you?

Call to Action: Reflecting on Satya

Before closing, consider this: How often do you check in with yourself to discern truth from habit, expectation, or fear?

Try this journal prompt: “Where in my life am I not fully living in truth? What would happen if I embraced radical honesty?”

Or, take a moment of silence—sit with the questions, let them settle, and notice what arises. Truth isn’t just a concept—it’s something we feel, embody, and integrate.

Thanks for reading Red Emerald Yoga! This post is public so feel free to share it.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS WHEN ACCESSING THIS CONTENT. This content is posted for educational and informational purposes only and is not tailored to you specifically in any way. Please note that this content is simply Red Emerald Yoga’s interpretation and approach, and that Red Emerald Yoga makes no representations about its efficacy and does not promise or guarantee any specific results.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redemeraldyoga.substack.com

In a world saturated with filtered and augmented realities and curated identities, truth can feel elusive. We navigate life through layers of perception—what we tell ourselves, what we project to others, and what we choose to believe. But in yoga, truth is not just about honesty in speech; it is integrity in thought, action, and being—a continuous process of aligning with our most authentic selves.

Satya, one of the five Yamas outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, challenges us to move beyond surface-level truthfulness. It asks: What does it mean to be truly authentic? How do we balance truth with kindness? And how do we strip away illusion to align with our deepest self?

Through this exploration, we’ll delve into the philosophical roots of Satya, its relevance in modern life, and practical ways to cultivate a more truthful existence—on and off the yoga mat.

Disclosure: The following post contains affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Satya in Classical Philosophy

Satya is more than just telling the truth—it's a commitment to reality. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Satya is one of the five Yamas, ethical guidelines that shape how we interact with the world. Truthfulness is seen as a force that clears illusion, paving the way for inner freedom.

For those interested in exploring the Yamas and Niyamas further, I recommend The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele.

In the Bhagavad Gita, truth is deeply tied to Dharma—the righteous path. To live truthfully, one must act in accordance with their inner duty, even when faced with uncertainty. The Gita challenges us: Can we stand in our truth without attachment?

“The greatest homage to truth is to use it.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Balancing Truth and Compassion

Living truthfully isn't just about blunt honesty. The yogic perspective reminds us that truth must be expressed with kindness and awareness—because truth without compassion can wound rather than uplift. Satya asks us to examine our words, ensuring that what we speak aligns not only with reality but also with our deepest values and the well-being of those around us.This is where Satya meets Ahimsa (non-harm). Truth is powerful, but how we deliver it matters. Thoughtful communication allows truth to be heard rather than resisted—it becomes a tool for connection rather than division.

Shadow Work and Truthfulness

Satya invites us to examine truth in all aspects of life—including within ourselves. This is where shadow work becomes essential. Shadow work is the practice of exploring the hidden, suppressed parts of ourselves—the fears, insecurities, and emotional wounds that shape how we see and interact with the world.

Often, we avoid certain truths because they challenge our self-image or force us to acknowledge uncomfortable realities. Practicing shadow work allows us to:

* Recognize self-deception—Are we telling ourselves stories that keep us comfortable but unfulfilled?

* Heal emotional wounds—Unprocessed emotions can distort our perception of truth. Facing them brings clarity.

* Integrate all aspects of ourselves—True authenticity comes from embracing both our light and shadow.

Satya and shadow work together create a path toward radical honesty—not just with others, but with ourselves.

How Do We Practice Satya?

* Self-Inquiry: Regular reflection on our own inner dialogue is key. Are we being truthful with ourselves about what we want, need, or feel? Are we suppressing parts of ourselves to fit a narrative? Journaling, meditation, or mindful contemplation can help us uncover hidden truths.

* Truth in Speech: Truthful communication doesn’t mean being blunt—it means expressing ourselves with honesty and clarity while considering how our words affect others.

* Truth in Action: Are we living in alignment with our values? Practicing Satya means making choices that reflect our deepest truths, rather than what’s easiest or most accepted.

* Letting Go of False Narratives: Sometimes, we cling to identities or stories that are no longer true—outdated beliefs about ourselves, societal labels, or conditioned behaviors. Practicing Satya invites us to strip away illusion and embrace who we truly are.

Truth Beyond the Mat

Satya isn’t just practiced in meditation or poses—it’s lived in our interactions, choices, and self-reflection. It challenges us to be truthful in relationships, work, and personal growth. Are we living authentically, or molding ourselves to expectations? Are we listening to our intuition, or ignoring it out of fear? Truth, as yoga teaches, is a lifelong unfolding.

Challenges in Truthfulness

Living truthfully isn’t always easy. Fear of rejection, conflict, or change can make us hesitate. But yoga teaches that truth is freeing—when we step into authenticity, we deepen our connection with ourselves and others. The more we honor truth, the more peace and clarity we cultivate in our lives.

Conclusion: A Call to Live Truthfully

Truth is not static—it evolves as we deepen our self-awareness. Practicing Satya means stripping away false narratives, standing in integrity, and embracing reality with an open heart. As we step off the mat and into the world, the question remains: What does living in truth mean to you?

Call to Action: Reflecting on Satya

Before closing, consider this: How often do you check in with yourself to discern truth from habit, expectation, or fear?

Try this journal prompt: “Where in my life am I not fully living in truth? What would happen if I embraced radical honesty?”

Or, take a moment of silence—sit with the questions, let them settle, and notice what arises. Truth isn’t just a concept—it’s something we feel, embody, and integrate.

Thanks for reading Red Emerald Yoga! This post is public so feel free to share it.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS WHEN ACCESSING THIS CONTENT. This content is posted for educational and informational purposes only and is not tailored to you specifically in any way. Please note that this content is simply Red Emerald Yoga’s interpretation and approach, and that Red Emerald Yoga makes no representations about its efficacy and does not promise or guarantee any specific results.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redemeraldyoga.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redemeraldyoga.substack.com

Yoga nidra is a powerful practice that combines guided meditation, deep relaxation, and conscious awareness to help you unwind and recharge.

This class is designed to be easy to follow, relaxing, and rejuvenating to help you release tension, calm your mind, and connect with your inner self.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, this class is perfect for anyone looking to relax, unwind, and recharge. So grab a blanket, get comfy, and let's dive into bliss as we breathe together!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redemeraldyoga.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redemeraldyoga.substack.com

January 6, 2023

My son and I recently attended an online meditation class. My son was a little stressed out, so I stopped what I was doing and told him to join me for a meditation class. He rolled his eyes and sat beside me. We both enjoyed the class and felt pretty relaxed afterward. We opened our eyes and sat there smiling at each other for a little while.

Thanks for reading Red Emerald Yoga! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

However, not everyone felt that way. One of the comments left for the instructor was a comment about how confusing it was. The instructor instructed everyone to let go of the breath and focus on the breathing. The student thought letting go of the breath meant that he was supposed to stop breathing. So this student was sitting there trying to relax as he was holding his breath. For the life of him, he couldn’t understand how he could focus on his breathing if he wasn’t breathing. This left at least one student feeling very confused and feeling a little defeated instead of relaxed after class.

The instructor told him that it gets easier with time, which might not have helped this particular student.

I thought back to the session, when I heard those instructions, I knew what the instructor meant, so I had no problem during the meditation. I asked my son if the meditation was confusing to him, and he said no because he knew what the teacher was trying to say and it was easy to follow along.

My son has grown up around yoga and meditation, his brain knew how to auto-translate the instructions. He has a much harder time doing Pilates and Barre.

When we don’t know what an instructor means, that can be confusing and can cause stress. Your brain can’t auto-translate what it doesn’t understand. I know I had those moments all the time in my Kung Fu San Soo class even though my instructor explained things pretty well.

If I still had a question, he would have me demonstrate what I was doing on him, so he could feel it and figure out what I was doing wrong. He would then ask me to explain what I was doing step by step. He would cover his eyes and say, I can’t see you, tell me what you are doing. It made me stop and really think about what I was doing with my body and how I was manipulating his body. When I got to the part where I needed to tweak something, I either realized it on my own, or he would say, right there, you’re doing this, now try it this way. I loved that. It’s the little details that go unnoticed, but often make the biggest difference.

I thought back to when I first started teaching yoga to children about ten years ago. I was a strength and conditioning coach for a team of one dozen hilarious and outspoken tee-ballers. I was trying and failing to explain Warrior 1, when suddenly one of the little kids started laughing and blurted out, that doesn’t make any sense! Soon, they were all laughing, some were on the grass rolling around laughing and I was laughing too. Where do these instructions come from and how do they become so catchy?

He was right, the instructions made no sense at all. I was repeating the same instructions I heard time and time again in the classes I attended. I remember not knowing what the teachers meant and looking at what others were doing with their bodies to understand what I was supposed to do.

I told him to watch what I was doing and asked him to explain it to the rest of the team. He explained it like you would explain it to a small child. He explained the pose better than my yoga teachers did when I was new to yoga. Of course, he didn’t explain what the body was doing energetically, but he explained it in a way that a team of pint-sized yoga newbies understood on the first try. That’s impressive!

Now, was it really necessary to place so much emphasis on, “…not what she said!” Apparently so, as all the kids burst into laughter and tried following my original instructions before falling to the floor… again.

This is one of the reasons why I love teaching children and new yogis, they don’t know what we mean unless we explain ourselves in a way that makes sense. They will either ask for clarification, or it will be completely obvious that the instructions do not make sense. Sometimes we just need things spelled out to us like we are five and that’s ok. We may need to explain things more than once, or in entirely different ways, and that’s ok too.

So, what was the meditation teacher talking about when he said, let go of your breath and focus on your breathing?

I believe he meant to let go of everything that is distracting us from breathing. Let go of wondering if your belly is sticking out of your stretchy pants while you breathe. Let go of wondering if you are breathing right or wrong. Let go of trying to control your breathing. Simply notice what the breath is doing and how you feel as you breathe. What is your body doing as you breathe? Does the breath change as you take notice of it, does the way your body feels change as you are observing your breath and allowing it to be whatever it needs to be at that moment?

You can sign up for my online breathwork and meditation classes here.

Thanks for reading Red Emerald Yoga! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit redemeraldyoga.substack.com