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The Yamas and Niyamas—ten of each—are yoga’s guiding principles for ethical living and self-discipline. They offer timeless wisdom to help us unlock our potential, both personally and professionally, while also breaking free from the endless cycles of struggle and dissatisfaction. When we live out of sync with these higher values or consistently avoid taking the high road, we can get stuck in what feels like an endless rut.

 

This month, we invite you to explore Mitahara, the practice of moderation and mindful consumption for our own well-being and the well-being of our planet. At its core, Mitahara teaches us to embrace silence, stillness, and the spaces in-between—moments of presence and clarity where true joy resides. In this space, we encounter unconditional happiness, untainted by fleeting pleasures. Blaise Pascal captured it beautifully: “All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly alone.”

 

In Yogic and Buddhist philosophies, liberation arises when we make peace with contemplating and being with ourselves. Initially, this inner stillness can feel like a void, an unsettling emptiness. To distract ourselves, we often overindulge in activities like scrolling TikTok, shopping, chatting endlessly, critiquing others, or solving problems that aren’t even ours. (Sound familiar?) Every form of consumption distracts us from being present with ourselves.

But here’s the twist: through meditation, or spending time in nature, we realize the void isn’t empty at all—it’s overflowing with presence. By nurturing a loving connection to ourselves and the planet, we minimize harm and find wholeness within. Learning to sit with that silence, rather than filling it, is the essence of true peace.

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This is why I cherish hosting nature retreats. They’re an opportunity to explore this presence deeply. If you’re curious, send me a message about our next retreat! (Spoiler alert: it’s magical.)

I love the book on this subject called Emptiness Dancing by Adyashanti —a profound dive into the beauty of stillness. Maybe take it to read at the retreat?

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Consumption vs. Presence

Yoga encourages us to see our patterns with clarity and honesty, a practice called Arjava Yama (straightforwardness). Elizabeth Gilbert, in her book Big Magic, hilariously compares her mind to an Australian Shepherd puppy. She feels like her mind is like that puppy who not knowing what to do with herself will want to dig a hole in a living room, or eat a couch. We all can learn to find comfort in being simply present and not needing to consume or destroy anything to fill that space. 

 

Moderation is a lifelong project, rooted in Tapas Niyama (self-discipline) and guided by love for ourselves and the world. To start this journey, I encourage you to journal and reflect on the following seven aspects of consumption. Be curious—you might uncover patterns that surprise you:

 

7 Angles to Contemplate Moderation:

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1. Entertainment: following 'other people's stories through our screens to avoid facing our own?

2. Shopping, acquiring physical belongings - are we acquiring more than we need?

3. Work time and leisure time - is my balance sustainable and supports my growth?

4. Food & drinks - are my choices nourishing?

5. Substances that alter our consciousness

6. Sleep - do we sleep too much? Too little?

7. Need for validation & attention - do I speak too much? Spend too much time socializing? On the phone all day? Seek other people's approval? Attention? 

 

Remember, this is not about judgment or rejection of reality. Instead, it’s about seeing clearly, accepting graciously, and making adjustments with love and devotion to the greater good and with unconditional love for ourselves. And, we learn to reach out for professional help. We cannot change what we do not clearly see, and even when we see - self-love means asking for help, which is a courageous and powerful act.

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Take time this month to contemplate this beautiful practice - see how you can embed it in your daily life to expand your presence and joy without needing to reach for extra things.​ I look forward to seeing you in classes!

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Sending you peace, health, and clarity,

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Natasha & Glowing Team