Saucha

Today, our last before we leave, is fittingly dark and wet. Larry and I are looking forward to brighter days ahead. I have one last day to clean and get things in order. As I found myself scrubbing out our garbage cans, I found myself growing calmer. I've been thinking about why I enjoy cleaning and bringing order out of chaos so much at this time in my life. I used to hate cleaning. Why do I enjoy watching reruns of "Monk" so well? It must be more than being a little compulsive about things. Maybe there is something to the lessons I've been learning in yoga. As a yoga student, I have been taught the value of honoring inanimate objects, keeping them clean and in good working order. The same goes for personal thoughts. This principle (or "niyama") is called saucha, which means cleanliness of body, heart, mind and environment. I know that we are leaving things in good shape and that that if we forget anything, our friends will help. That thought has been keeping me happy and calm.