Shaucha, or cleanliness, goes beyond physical hygiene to include clarity in our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. In this episode, we explore how decluttering your home, eating clean foods, and releasing mental negativity can create a sense of inner and outer purity. Shaucha is all about making space for positivity and growth in your life. Find me at https://www.eqyoga.co.uk/

Transcript

Welcome back to All Things Yoga with Vicky. Today, we’re kicking off the Niyamas—those inner practices that help us live more harmonious lives. And the first one we’re exploring is Shaucha, or cleanliness.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—‘Vicky, are you telling me I need to clean my room?’ Well… maybe! But Shaucha goes so much deeper than that.

Let’s start with the traditional interpretation. Shaucha is about keeping the body, mind, and environment clean. Sure, this includes physical hygiene—taking a shower, washing your yoga mat—but it also means clearing out the clutter in our minds and surroundings.

Think about how good it feels to walk into a tidy space or how refreshed you feel after a hot shower. That’s Shaucha in action—it’s not about perfection but creating an environment that feels light and supportive.

But Shaucha isn’t just external. Mental cleanliness is just as important. Have you ever noticed how negative thoughts or worry can feel like mental clutter? Practicing Shaucha might mean setting boundaries with toxic people, limiting the news you consume, or simply making time for mindfulness practices.

And here’s another layer—what about the food we eat? Nourishing your body with clean, healthy food is another way to honour Shaucha. It’s not about being extreme but about tuning into what makes you feel good.

In modern life, Shaucha might also mean decluttering your digital life. When was the last time you cleaned out your inbox or unfollowed accounts that don’t inspire you? Clearing that space can create more room for what truly matters.

So, this week, think about where you can invite more Shaucha into your life. Maybe start with something small, like clearing your desk or journaling to clear your mind. I promise it makes a difference. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time to talk about Santosha