Connection Series: Niyama and Self-Discipline for Trauma Healing (Part 2 of 5)

Connection Series: The Observances — Niyama and Self-Discipline for Trauma Healing (Part 2 of 5)

Healing starts with learning to trust yourself again. This episode moves from Yama into Niyama, exploring Kriya Yoga's five observances — and reframes self-discipline as self-compassion for anyone recovering from gaslighting or emotional manipulation

Be patient. Be aware. That is your practice. Trust yourself, and the world opens up.

Healing after trauma often starts with learning to trust yourself again. In Part 2 of our 5-part Connection Series, this Kriya Yoga podcast episode moves from Yama (what to release) into Niyama (what to build) — exploring the five observances of Kriya Yoga: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender).

We reframe self-discipline as self-compassion, not punishment — a core practice for anyone healing from gaslighting, emotional manipulation, or growing up managing other people's moods instead of their own feelings. If you've ever doubted your own perceptions because of a relationship or upbringing that taught you not to trust yourself, this episode unpacks where that doubt comes from and how to start clearing it.

This is part of an ongoing series for anyone navigating anxiety, trauma recovery, and the disorientation of these current, chaotic times — using yoga philosophy, meditation, and spiritual discipline to become a calmer, more aware, more grounded version of yourself.

Practice along: Three deep yoga breaths + the mantra Hari Om Tat Sat
Mentioned this episode: The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga by Goswami Kriyananda

New to the series? Start with Episode 10 (Part 1) and follow along through all 5 parts of the Connection Series.

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