Knowing Myself: Yoga Meditations and Journaling for Deep Reflection

Svādhyāya invites us to become students of our own lives. Just as we might study a sacred text, we can study our thoughts, habits, and patterns with reverence. Self-study isn’t about harsh critique—it’s about cultivating awareness so we can make conscious choices.

Knowing ourselves means celebrating our strengths while also acknowledging the areas we want to transform. Growth is a natural result of this awareness. Just like a gardener tends both blossoms and weeds, we tend all parts of ourselves, knowing that this care makes us grow and thrive.

On-the-Mat Practices:

• Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Notice your strength and determination. What qualities arise when you hold the pose?

• Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Explore balance—observe your stability and your wobbles without judgment.

• Savasana (Corpse Pose): Use this time to reflect on what you’ve learned about yourself during practice.

Off-the-Mat Practices:

• Try journaling daily for a week, noting patterns in your moods or thoughts.

• Ask yourself at the end of the day: “What did I learn about myself today?”

• Practice self-reflection after conversations—did I show up as I wanted to?

Our mantra for the week is…

The more I know myself, the more I grow.

Our journaling prompts are…

• What qualities in myself do I deeply appreciate?

• Where do I notice resistance to truly knowing myself?

• What lessons from my past year show me how I’ve grown?

And our meditation is…a meditation for listening to the deep wisdom of the heart

Sit comfortably, spine tall.

Inhale: receive wisdom.

Exhale: release what no longer serves.

Continue for 5 minutes, resting in the rhythm of growth.

Closing Reflection:

When we choose to know ourselves, we grow not by accident but with intention. Self-awareness opens the door to transformation, making our lives feel more aligned and authentic.