Mantra – “I clear, I cherish, I ignite, I observe, I release.”

or

“Clean in body, calm in heart; fueled by fire, guided by wisdom, carried by trust.”

Introduction:
Welcome. Tonight we journey through the five Niyamas—Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Isvarapranidhana. Each is a lantern lighting the path inward. Our yoga tonight isn’t about perfect poses, but about clearing our minds, softening our hearts, and learning to live with more grace and presence.

Topic 1 – The Clear Space of Saucha

ReflectionSaucha asks us to clear what clutters body, mind, and environment so our natural light can shine. A tidy room, a steady breath, and a calm thought‑stream all create space for ease.

MetaphorBedroom Reset: Picture a room after a chaotic week—bed unmade, take‑out boxes on the dresser, laundry heaped on the floor. The air feels heavy and you can’t settle. Ten mindful minutes later: sheets smoothed, clothes folded, boxes tossed, a hint of peppermint in the air. Nothing new was added; clarity arrived by removing what blocked ease. That is Saucha.

Quotes• “Outer order contributes to inner calm.” – Gretchen Rubin• “Cleanliness is the hallmark of perfect standards, and the best quality inspector is the conscience.” – Sri Sathya Sai Baba• “When you clear the clutter, you make space for what matters.”

Call to ActionDedicate tonight’s practice to releasing one piece of inner or outer clutter—a tension, a judgment, a to‑do—that blocks your light.**Dedicate tonight’s practice to releasing one piece of inner or outer clutter—a tension, a judgment, a to‑do—that blocks your light.

 Topic 2 – The Content Heart (Santosha)

ReflectionSam means complete or whole and tosha means contentment. Santosha reminds us that what we have is already enough—indeed, less is more.

Story / MetaphorA single‑mom patient once told me about the pressure she felt when her cousins booked an expensive Disney cruise. She couldn’t afford it, so she took a second job—working late nights and weekends—to save every spare dollar. Months later, exhausted, she tucked her little girl into bed and the child whispered: “Mom, my favorite part of every day is when you read me our silly bedtime story. I don’t need that cruise—I just want time with you.”

In that instant she experienced Santosha: the joy she was chasing was already here in their simple nightly moments of connection.

Quotes**• “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Melody Beattie• “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault• “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dalai Lama

Call to ActionAs you breathe tonight, silently whisper thank‑you for this breath, this body, this moment.

 Topic 3 – The Flame of Tapas

ReflectionTapas is disciplined heat that transforms resistance into strength. In hot yoga that warmth mimics a gentle fever: stimulating immunity, boosting circulation and lymph flow, helping muscles lengthen safely, encouraging detox through sweat, and training the mind to stay calm. Sustained heat gently elevates heart rate and widens vessels, giving the cardiovascular system a workout comparable to brisk walking without joint impact. Repeated heat exposure can improve cardiovascular conditioning, release mood‑lifting endorphins, and up‑regulate heat‑shock proteins for cellular repair and longevity.

MetaphorCoffee Roasting: Green beans are dull and grassy until intense heat coaxes out rich aroma and deep flavor. Sometimes we need steady heat to reveal the hidden potential inside us.

Quotes• “Courage is knowing it might hurt and doing it anyway.”• “You were born with wings; why prefer to crawl through life?” – Rumi

Call to ActionWhen you meet your edge tonight, breathe through the fire and trust the alchemy of heat and effort.

 Topic 4 – The Mirror of Svadhyaya

ReflectionSvadhyaya invites self‑study without judgment. Every pose, reaction, and breath is a page in your own sacred text—read it with curiosity.

MetaphorA still pond reflects the sky perfectly; when the mind calms, we see ourselves clearly.

Quotes• “You have been the harshest voice inside your head; you have the power to be the kindest.” – Davidji• “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle

Call to ActionNotice one habitual thought tonight and soften it with compassion.**Notice one habitual thought tonight and soften it with compassion.

 Topic 5 – Surrendering to Something Greater (Isvarapranidhana)

ReflectionIsvarapranidhana is wholehearted effort followed by wholehearted release—trusting the outcome to the greater flow of life.

Metaphor: Yoga teaches us to change the things in life that should not be endured and to endure and accept those things that can not be changed.

Quotes• “What you seek is seeking you.” – Rumi• “Thank you is the best prayer.” – Alice Walker

Call to ActionWith every exhale, whisper: I trust. Let each pose be a humble offering.