Self Study — less “fixing,” more “being”

Self-study,” or svādhyāya in Sanskrit is more than therapizing, or trying to “fix” ourselves.

At its core, self-study is a way of being — a bridge between knowing ourselves deeply and remembering our true nature: love, awareness, and pure consciousness.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Everyone’s journey is unique, shaped by experiences, practices, and inner landscape. What matters is creating space in daily life to practice this way of being.

1. Use Your Mat as a Mirror

Your yoga mat is more than a workout — it’s a reflection of how you move through life. Notice your tendencies during practice.
Do you rush through transitions?
Are you constantly “fixing” yourself?
Do you avoid certain poses or sensations?

The way you show up on your mat often mirrors the patterns you bring off the mat. This isn’t about judging yourself — it’s about noticing. Over time, this practiced awareness becomes a doorway to potential choices, changes and growth.

2. Self-Inquiry

Just like on our mat, every day life presents numerous opportunities to notice how we operate — habits, impulses, reactions, language. These things reveal old conditioning, beliefs and fears.

Notice:
The words you choose.
The emotions that arise in familiar situations.
The stories you tell yourself when things get hard.

And then… pause. Witness what’s happening.

Ask yourself:
What’s underneath this habit/emotion/story?
What can I choose in this moment? (Resistance? Fear? Acceptance? Love?)

3. Carve Out Time for Reflection

True self-study can’t thrive in the hustle. Nothing will choke out self exploration faster than distraction and over stimulation. Like a small planted seed, this process needs attention, nourishment and patience. Take structured time out of your schedule to get curious and quiet. This can take on so many different shapes and forms so don’t box yourself in! Here are some suggestions:

Read spiritual or philosophical texts and reflect on how it relates to your life.
Practice mantras or meditations. (Just 5 minutes is enough to make an impact)
Journal to get clear on your thoughts and feelings. (Are there consistent themes/beliefs?)
Be in nature. (Natural dopamine and awe: the perfect cocktail for self exploration)