Satya, what happens when one becomes established in truth?

After my daily reading (today happened to be Yoga and Vegetarianism) I felt a sense of calm and a need for some reflection in my life. The chapter happened to cover Satya, which is the second of the yama. Satya in short means truthfulness, what happens when one becomes established in truth?

Relating yoga to food, Sharon began to go into the food industry at a consumers veiw point. "The consumer is not told the truth about where our food comes from. Instead we are told lies. The meat and dairy industry spends millions of dollars on advertising to deceive us. Because the meat and dairy industries form the foundations of our economic system, government agencies also don't want the public to know. There are laws now protecing the animal user industries from citizen scrutiny."

As yoga practicioners, we come to a time in our lives when we begin to question whether what we have been told is true, including the assumptions we hold about ourselves and the world around us. The fact that you have begun or want to start a yoga practice is evidence that you have the courage to embark on a deep self-reflective quest. Through such self-reflection you will encounter blockages to your creativity and self-expression. It is during those crucial moments, while engaged in asana or meditative practice, that it is important not to harbor negative thoughts. Do not blame others or feel guilty, inadequate, or overwhelmed. Instead, allow the past karmic residue to arise, and let go with each passing breath. Through steady practice, you will experience for yourself what is true, and all the lies you have been told, even those that you have told, will fade away in the light of the greater truth of your true potential.

As we embrace the practice of satya, our speech becomes purified, and we are able to fearlessly say what we mean and mean what we say. Others cease lying to us and begin to perceive us as people with integrity; they listen to us and take our words seriously. What we say comes true.

"Become the change you wish to see in the world"

If we don't want to be taken in by the lies people tell us, we can begin to examine our own speech and ask ourselves if we are really saying what we mean. If we say what we want peace on Earth, are we willing to
do what is necessary to create it? Are we willing to speak truthfully at every turn and be honest with others and ourselves? This is difficult work, but once begun, it becomes easier with practice. It is, like yoga itself, a lifelong effort!