Turning Inward: Yoga Practices for Svadhyaya

In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in the noise—social media opinions, family expectations, and endless streams of advice. While outside voices can be valuable, yoga reminds us that the deepest truths live within us. Svādhyāya, or self-study, teaches us that clarity comes not by looking outward but by turning inward with honesty and compassion.

Turning inward doesn’t always mean stillness; sometimes it means moving through asana while listening to the body’s messages. Other times it means sitting quietly with your breath, or writing down the thoughts that surface in silence. This practice invites us to trust that the inner wisdom we seek has always been with us.

On the Mat: Yoga Practices for Turning Inward

• Child’s Pose (Balasana): Rest your forehead down and connect with your breath. Notice how it feels to pause.

• Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana): Gently fold inward, symbolizing the act of turning within.

• Short Meditation at the End of Class: Stay a little longer on your mat and invite reflection on what truth surfaced during practice.

Off the Mat: Daily Practices for Turning Inward

• Begin your day with 5 minutes of silence before reaching for your phone.

• Take an “inner truth walk” outside—leave your headphones at home and listen inward as you move.

• Write down any wisdom that arises in the stillness.

Our mantra for the week is…

I discover truth when I turn inward.

Our journaling prompts are…

• When I turn inward, what truths about myself or my life do I notice?

• What distractions keep me from being still with myself?

• What would my inner wisdom say to me right now if I listened closely?

And our meditation is…a meditation for looking inward on the amazing person that you are.

Sit comfortably with hands over your heart.

Inhale silently: “I turn inward.”

Exhale silently: “I discover truth.”

Continue for 5–10 minutes.

Closing Reflection:

The more we pause and turn inward, the more we uncover clarity and peace. Self-study is not about fixing yourself—it’s about meeting yourself as you are, and trusting that truth will rise in stillness.