Rooted Sangha – Session Eight Summary

Theme: Satya - Self Expression and Being True To Ourselves

This week, we continued our exploration of Satya – truthfulness – and, in particular, the way it shows up through self-expression. Deborah Adele, in The Yamas and Niyamas, draws a careful distinction between expressing ourselves and simply indulging ourselves. It’s a subtle but important difference. Last week, we looked at the tension between “being nice” and being real. Adele points out that when we silence or soften our authentic voice in order to keep the peace, that energy doesn’t disappear – it just finds other outlets. And more often than not, those outlets resemble overindulgence.

The yogic teachings on Dharma come to mind here. Dharma is sometimes described as our life’s path, our unique calling, our place in the great weaving of the universe. To live in line with Dharma is to live in harmony – not only with ourselves but with the whole. When we suppress our truth in favour of what we think others expect, a quiet unease sets in. We sense the disconnect, but instead of making the shift back to our Dharma, we often try to fill the hollow with habits that drain us: too much work, too much wine, too much scrolling, or relationships that don’t nourish us.

The energy is still there, but it leaks away sideways.

When, however, we listen to that inner voice – when we choose self-expression over “being nice” – our energy flows in its natural direction. There’s a vitality that comes from aligning with what Adele calls “the life that cries to be lived.” It feels lighter, more hopeful, more joyful. We don’t need to patch over the emptiness with distractions because there is no emptiness – only fullness.

Following our Dharma is rarely the easy option – it asks courage, trust, and persistence. But it is always worth it.

So if you notice yourself reaching for those old indulgences, pause for a moment and ask: what part of me is longing to be expressed?

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This week's exercise is to turn inward and explore your own Core Values. These are the threads of Dharma that guide your choices, the anchors that help you recognise when you’re living in alignment with your truth – and when you’re not.

I invite you to take the time to reflect on this Core Values Exercise and see what emerges for you. Notice which words resonate in your body, not just in your mind. Ask yourself: Am I making space for these values to be expressed in my daily life? Where am I holding back, and where am I being my true self?

Sometimes clarity about our values is all we need to step more confidently into self-expression – to choose truth over “being nice,” and to live more closely in harmony with our Dharma.

Resources

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Giving Back

After covering room and fuel costs, all proceeds from Rooted are being saved to support a local cause, to be chosen together later this year — as a small act of Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion in action.

On 21st September we made our first donation (£110) to Kettering Samaritans.

This week we put another £15 aside, making our current total £25. Our next beneficiary is Johnny's Happy Place.

Going Forward

Thank you, as always, for pausing to listen within. For honouring the quiet voice that longs to be heard.

May you release the weight of “should” and instead follow the rhythm of your own truth.

May you find the courage to express what is real, even if it feels tender or uncertain.

May you trust that living in alignment with your Dharma is enough – more than enough – and that the world needs the gift of your authentic self.

With love, Vicki x