Satya (Honesty)

 

Honesty is reached through the doorway of grief and loss......Honesty allows us to live with not knowing.  We do not know the full story, we do not know where we are in the story; we do not know who is at fault or who will carry the blame in the end

David Whyte, Consolations

Truth-telling is foundational in spiritual practices.  In different ways and using different words, we are counseled to be honest with ourselves and with others in order to live fully and with integrity.  Lying we know hurts others but also does damage to ourselves because in the lying our fears become more solid.  We lie to avoid our shame and vulnerability, but this just gives them more current.

Coming into the truth is a process.  Our truth is only partial because we are still unfolding to ourselves and our stories are never complete.  Still, doing the best we can to know our truth however partial moves us in the right direction towards freedom. 

The extent to which I have tenderness towards what I fear and the many vulnerabilities is the extent to which I can act with more clarity and consciousness.  Just as lies feed my fears, honesty acts as a balm to my shame cultivating compassion and steadiness.  

When we bring this stance of honesty to asana, we become curious about what is moving and what is not, where the feeling is dull and where it is overstretched, what roadblocks the mind is setting in front of us and where the barriers are falling away (svadyaya).  Honesty in life works the same way creating the conditions for learning, creativity, and steadiness.  When we think we know everything, when we are afraid we will not reach some ideal of perfection, when we need to be right, we miss the chance for an honesty about things that tells a bigger story.  One where we are part of an ever evolving and unfolding mystery, where there are chances for reconciliations and connection, where we are more fully formed by the pairing away what is false.