Rooted Sangha – Session Seven Summary

Theme: Satya - Truthfulness and the difference between 'nice' and 'real'.

In yoga, Satya is often translated simply as “truthfulness.” But like so many of the yamas, it asks us to look a little deeper. Truth in this sense is not just about avoiding lies. It’s about aligning our words, actions, and presence with what is real inside of us – and allowing that to shape how we show up in the world.

So often, we’re taught that it’s good to be nice. Polite. Agreeable. To smooth the edges of our feelings and our voices so that others aren’t ruffled. And of course, kindness has its place – it’s a form of Ahimsa, non-harming, and it helps us live in community with one another. But sometimes “nice” becomes a mask.

We’ve all had those moments when we say “yes” when we mean “no,” when we nod along with someone else’s opinion just to avoid being awkward, or when we laugh politely at something that doesn’t land right in our bones. Outwardly, we’re being nice. Inwardly, something doesn’t quite sit. The body whispers its truth – perhaps a tightening in the chest, a clench in the jaw, or a weariness that follows us home.

Being real, on the other hand, can feel riskier. It means allowing our truth to be spoken or felt, even when it might not please everyone. It doesn’t mean being harsh, careless, or cruel – Satya is always held alongside Ahimsa – but it does mean daring to be authentic. Realness brings a different sensation in the body: a softening, a steadiness, a sense of being aligned with ourselves.

Living into Satya invites us to discern when we are choosing “nice” at the expense of “real.” It asks us to notice: What am I sacrificing in this moment? My truth? My needs? My boundaries? And it reminds us that truth, when spoken with compassion, often deepens connection rather than threatens it.

Living Satya with Ahimsa

It’s easy to think of truth and kindness as being at odds with one another — as though we have to choose between being “nice” and being “real.” But Satya and Ahimsa remind us that both are possible when we pause, listen, and respond with care.

A simple practice is to hold your truth up to three small questions before you share it:

1. Is it true?

2. Is it kind?

3. Is it necessary?

   
   

If the answer is yes to all three, your words are likely to carry the strength of Satya and the softness of Ahimsa.

Remember too that truth doesn’t always need to be spoken aloud. Sometimes the most powerful act of Satya is an inner one: noticing when you’re tempted to override your own needs, and instead choosing to honour what your body and heart are quietly asking of you. That might look like resting instead of pushing through, saying no when you mean no, or simply letting silence hold the space.

In this way, Satya becomes less about confrontation and more about alignment. It’s a way of moving through the world that keeps you tethered to your own centre, while still extending compassion and gentleness to those around you.

So this week, when you notice the pull to be “nice,” pause for a moment. Ask: What is my truth here? How can I share it in a way that is both real and kind? Then allow your body to guide you — it often knows the answer before the mind does.

Here is the meditation to accompany this week's topic:

And the journal prompts for this week:.

• Observe the difference between 'nice' and 'real'. Notice situations when you were nice. What does this experience evoke in you? How does the body feel when you're being nice?

• Notice situations when you were real. What does this experience evoke in you? How does the body feel when you're being real?

• From whom or what do you seek approval? Do you override your body's voice in favour of approval?

Resources

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton

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 £10 aside. Our next beneficiary is Johnny's Happy Place.

Going Forward

This week's optional homework is to complete the journal questions above.

Thank you, as always, for showing up. For listening inward. For daring to notice what is true beneath the surface.

May you lay down the mask of being 'nice,' when your heart is asking for something real.

May you find strength in speaking with honesty, even when your voice trembles.

May you trust that your truth, offered with compassion, is enough.

May you remember: you are supported, you are safe, and your realness is a gift.

With love, Vicki x