THE YAMAS & NIYAMAS SERIES - SATYA

Living Satya: Walking the Path of Truth with Kindness

In the Eight Limbs of Yoga, Patanjali introduces us to the yamas—ethical guidelines for how we relate to the world around us. One of these yamas is satya, the practice of truthfulness. At first glance, it might sound simple: tell the truth. But like much in yoga, satya invites us into deeper reflection. What does it mean to live truthfully? And how do we honour truth without causing harm—to ourselves or others?

Satya & the Sutras

In Yoga Sutra 2.36, Patanjali writes:"Satya pratișțhāyām kriyāphalāśrayatvam" When one is established in truthfulness, actions result in fruitful outcomes.

It suggests that when we live in alignment with truth, our words and actions carry power. There’s clarity, trust, and integrity. But being established in satya doesn’t mean blurting out every thought or opinion that arises. Satya is always practiced alongside ahimsa—non-violence. Truth and kindness walk hand in hand.

Truth That Doesn’t Harm

We’ve all had moments where telling the truth feels hard. Maybe your truth risks disappointing someone. Maybe it challenges a role you’ve played for a long time. Maybe it means setting a boundary when you’ve always been the “yes” person.

Practicing satya within the framework of ahimsa means learning to honour your truth gently. It’s not about weaponizing honesty or delivering harsh truths to prove a point. It’s about learning to listen inward with curiosity and compassion. What is true for you in this moment? And how can that truth be spoken—or held—with care?

Yoga teacher and activist Seane Corn speaks beautifully about this intersection. She writes:

“The truth will set you free—but first, it will shatter all the illusions you’ve been clinging to for safety.”

Living in truth often requires us to face uncomfortable things: patterns that no longer serve us, people-pleasing habits, or the fear of being misunderstood. For those of us carrying trauma or who’ve spent years keeping the peace, truth can feel unsafe. That’s okay. At Wild Soul Studio, we believe in going at your own pace. There is no rush to rip off the mask. Sometimes, honouring satya is as simple—and as courageous—as saying, “I’m not sure how I feel right now,” or “I need a little time to find clarity.”

I’ve come to learn that “I don’t know” can be one of the most empowering and truthful things I can say. When I worked as an instructor, I was taught to always follow it with, “But I’ll find out for you.” While well-intentioned, that approach can become overwhelming—especially when you’re holding space for others or navigating your own healing. The number of topics we’re asked to weigh in on can be vast, and it simply isn’t sustainable to offer thoughtful, researched responses to everything.

In practicing compassion with myself, I’ve come to understand that it’s okay to say, “I don’t have the capacity to explore that deeply right now.” This doesn’t mean the question isn’t valid or worthy of reflection—it just means I’m human, and I have limits. Acknowledging that is a form of satya, too.

As Seane Corn says,

“To stand in your truth is to accept that you are perfectly imperfect—that you are still growing, still unfolding, and still discovering who you are.”

Living truthfully doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means showing up with integrity, even when that truth is incomplete or evolving. When we let ourselves be real, we open the door for others to do the same—and that’s where true connection begins.

Everyday Satya

So, how can we gently welcome satya into daily life?

• Pause & ReflectBefore speaking or acting, ask: Is this true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? These questions create space for mindful expression.

• Notice Your Inner DialogueAre you being truthful with yourself? Are you downplaying your needs or ignoring your intuition? Practicing satya starts inside.

• Practice BoundariesSaying “no” can be an act of radical truthfulness. It’s okay to honour your energy without explanation or guilt.

• Move Through DiscomfortIf truth feels sticky or charged, pause. Breathe. Journal. Talk to someone you trust. Let your truth arrive when it’s ready.

• Let Go of PerfectionLiving in truth doesn’t mean getting it right all the time. You’re allowed to change your mind, revise your words, and grow.

  
  

Holding Truth in Community

At Wild Soul Studio, our aim is to create a space where your truth is welcome—however it shows up. Whether you're lying in savasana after a long day, sitting in circle with other women, or breathing through a pose that brings up emotion, you're invited to meet yourself as you are. No performance. No pressure. Just presence.

Satya isn’t about being brutally honest. It’s about being authentically you. And when practiced with compassion, it becomes a path of healing. A way home.

So this week, maybe take a quiet moment. Place your hands over your heart and ask gently: What’s true for me today?No need to fix or change anything. Just listen. Your truth is sacred. And it’s enough.

With warmth,

Sara 🙏