Achieving Saucha: Cleanliness of Mind and Body Through Twisting Cleansing Yoga Poses Mind Detoxifying and Clean Eating (Pho!) February 21 2026
- rockbriarfarm
- Feb 21
- 5 min read
I am a bit compulsive, one of those people that likes the counters free of clutter and the chairs lined up before I leave the house. I know that sounds kind of uptight and not “yogic”. Admittedly, this trait is embedded in my nature when it comes to much of life. I like plans made in advance and while I was working in banking had my meetings organized, projects completed and presentations prepared well in advance. And word smithed to death.😅🤣
Reflecting on this, I realize these behaviors are about minimizing stress or anxiety. I work well under pressure on big problems, it is the small stuff (clutter, mess, disorganization) that rattles me. Give me a huge problem (at work or home) to solve, and I move into executive mode figuring out how to minimize chaos and find a solution. I may have driven my employees wild correcting grammar on their written work but presented with a true work crisis (as much as crisis and banking can go together), I was always calm, supportive and ready to find a solution. I am that person also in my family relationships, the go to “fixer”; admittedly, this can take a toll. Alternatively, I have learned that sometimes a solution is not necessary, just a listening ear. More on that another day.
Thinking about and researching my personality traits reveals several personality profiles. The label could be an "orderly strategist"; one who likes perfection and is also crisis competent. I suspect there is some Type A personality thrown in, hopefully what clinicians call the “healthy form”. I have worked at controlling the less healthy aspects. I have gotten delayed for appointments while trying not to leave the house “messy” or discovering a multitude of small chores that need to be done while other more important issues loom.
Why all the musing on my neatnik-ness? The second limb of yoga, the Niyamas, are more inward looking and are directed toward self, or self-care. This week we land on the first of the Niyamas, Saucha, cleanliness. A simple approach to Saucha can mean practicing good hygiene and self-care. It also includes cleaning out of emotional clutter, letting go of resentments, judgment and envy.
In our physical practice, Saucha can encourage us to maintain a clean practice space and mat, arriving to practice with good hygiene and to approach our practice with mindful, harmonious movements. Off the mat, we could strive to be practicing cleanliness and clutter free living in our homes, living with mental clarity and letting of negative emotions.
Personally, I do well with the physical cleanliness aspect of this niyama. The house decluttering, the neatness and the physical cleanliness all help me to feel grounded, healthy and happy. Where I am challenged is in the cleansing of the mind.
In my own life I continue to be challenged and work hard to keep my words “clean” from negativity and my thoughts clear and pure. Some ideas for working on this could be making physical cleaning into a meditation. As you wash the dishes, try some counted breathing techniques. Cleanse your heart by counting your blessings or focusing five minutes on what you are grateful for. The saying “where attention goes, energy flows” is particularly relevant when considering saucha. If we allow our attention to focus on negative thoughts or gossip, that is where our energy percolates. If we focus on positivity, we add this to our lives and the world around us cultivating joy.
Let’s try to practice saucha each in our own way this week. Maybe we can clean out a closet or the garage; alternatively, perhaps try not to say one negative thing for a whole day. When we come to our mats perhaps practice saucha by scrubbing our mats, putting on just washed yoga gear and leaving self-deprecating thoughts at the door. Invite a joyful practice in, one cleansed of self-directed negativity, to flow onto your mat.
Our Practice – Cleansing Twists
As we focus on physical and mental cleansing this week we will incorporate cleansing twisting into our practice. The benefits of twisting are numerous, particularly for spinal health.
Proper twisting poses can help align the spine and create space between the vertebras and encourage blood flow to the spine. The action of twisting can help us work out stiffness and kinks, benefiting not only the body but the mind. The action creates space for our entire being to find clarity, space and leaves us feeling cleansed.
Twisting poses may aid our digestion by the “squeeze and soak” effect. The twisting compresses the organs and temporarily reduces blood flow, when the twist is released, oxygenated blood flows to the organs which boosts digestion. Another version of cleansing technique!
One pose we will practice this week will be fierce pose with a twist (Parivitta Utkatasana)
The pose is powerful in its ability to strengthen our core, thighs, glutes and back muscles. Adding in the prayer twist added benefits of spinal and digestive health as well as spinal mobility. Perhaps consider its multi-tasking benefits next time it challenges us!
Meditating on Saucha
"Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten." ~ Carl Sandburg
“The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in”. ~ BKS Iyengar
“To maintain an inner state of purity, the mind must be cleansed from agitation, and the body must be in good health.” ~ TKV Desikachar
Nurturing with (Clean) Eating
I try to practice eating cleanly, another way to practice Saucha. There are many definitions of what is considered clean eating, for me it is a vegan diet with no processed foods, lots of vegetables, whole grains, whole fruits, and healthy fats. I try to limit sugar and alcohol. I do not have much of a sweet tooth so that part is not that difficult. When I do imbibe, I favor good tequila (no sugar) with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, maybe a splash of seltzer. I believe that clean eating is whatever makes you feel your best, fueling you for good energy and feeling strong. I love to eat so sacrificing good, delicious food is not an option.
I shared a short article from Harvard last time I wrote about the topic. The one below from the Mayo Clinic is similar. In short, eat “clean” and you will improve heart and brain health, manage weight, build a stronger immune system and your overall health!
I really like Pho. I first experienced it in a restaurant and now seek it out regularly. My recipe is an easy version for when I am cooking alone. Peter has one that is a bit more authentic, I realize I have forgotten to have him document it. Soon!
Here is the recipe link:
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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