The second ethical principle for adhering to a path of growth of self and spirit is that of truth-full-ness - Satya. This is a tricky one, in fact they all are, because it’s so bloody difficult for us to agree on anything these days, let alone what is true or false. For a lot of these principles that I write of, you might think there’s a simple answer. Non-violence, do no harm – as we saw yesterday is not quite as superficial as you might want it to be. These are not the 10 commandments of the Old Testament. When it comes to these Yogic principles, the very first thing we should do is question what is it that they mean to us. Going by that same logic, truthfulness, or Satya, is not simply a matter of not lying; just as non-violence is not simply no physically harming others.
When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do you see the person that you think you are, or the person you really are? I have always found the mirror exercise of extreme difficulty. To be honest with ourselves about all our faults, as well as our redeeming qualities takes the type of honesty we are rarely taught. It’s an honesty which might seem abrasive; but often that is what’s needed to dispel the illusions of a fake identity. Not liking the person we really are is not fatal, it’s can’t be a dramatic end of the road for us. If you don’t like who you are, change it! But change will never come without honesty, without knowing the truth of oneself. I won’t lie to you – it's nasty, difficult business being truthful with yourself. It demands awareness and watchfulness, and courage. There is, however, nothing quite like building yourself up to the person you genuinely want to be.
As with non-violence, there’s an intrapersonal side to truthfulness. Have you found yourself lying about or omitting an opinion or attitude because you fear you may not be accepted? I have...so many times. Every time I had done it, I knew I was compromising my own integrity, my own authenticity. The drive to be accepted and liked, however, is too strong to resist. To stand by your own beliefs and values is also a matter of courage and it is proportionally linked to your own self-worth in this world. If you don’t value your own self enough, you will be happy to stand up for anything that will make you part of the “gang”. That runs directly opposite to the truthfulness. When we are truly honest with ourselves, and we are honest about our place in the world, then there is nothing to fear or chase – we are standing solid in our roots. That’s merely another aspect of living a life of self-growth.
How honest are you with yourself and others? Comment, share and help start a conversation about achievable, actual step towards growth and self-development.