Your Mind is Not Always Telling You the Truth
Satya, or truthfulness, is one of the Yamas in yoga philosophy—guiding principles for how we interact with ourselves and the world. But what does truth actually mean when our minds are full of conditioned patterns, habitual thoughts, and ingrained beliefs? What if the thoughts we accept as truth are simply well-worn neural pathways rather than reality?
If you want to read my first post on Satya and Living Truthfully, you can find that by clicking here.
The Patterns that Shape Our Perception
We all have samskaras—mental impressions or habit patterns that have been carved into our minds over time. Think of them like trails in the brain, some so deeply ingrained they’re like grooves in stone, others more like lines in sand, and some so fleeting they vanish like a trace in the water. The more we travel a particular mental pathway, the stronger it becomes.
This is why certain thoughts feel automatic. When we look in the mirror and think, I look beautiful or I look tired, the initial sensory perception of sight triggers a well-worn samskara. Our mind takes the shortcut it knows best.
Have you ever heard the saying, “Neurons that fire together, wire together”? Every time we entertain a thought, especially one layered with emotion, we strengthen that mental groove. If we repeatedly tell ourselves I’m not good enough, I’ll never change, or I’m not worthy, we deepen that belief—not because it’s true, but because it’s a well-traveled path.
Questioning Our Thoughts
So how do we begin to separate truth from the habitual stories we tell ourselves? Awareness is the first step.
When a thought arises, can we pause and ask: Is this true? Or is this just a well-worn groove, a pattern I’ve unconsciously followed? Truth requires discernment, not just automatic acceptance.
The mind is quick to judge, categorize, and react. But truth—real truth—often reveals itself in stillness, in deep listening, in stepping outside of those ingrained mental loops. Over time, with awareness and practice, we begin to rewire those habitual thoughts, replacing unconscious reactions with clarity and intention.
The Body as a Source of Truth
If the mind is not always telling us the truth, where else can we look?
The body.
Unlike the mind, which jumps between past and future, the body is always in the now. It communicates truth through sensation, through the subtle language of tension, ease, breath, and intuition. But we have to be willing to listen.
In yoga, we practice tuning in. What is my body telling me right now? Does this posture feel stable and strong, or am I pushing past what feels right? Does my breath feel open and spacious, or constricted and forced? Truth is not found in the external idea of how a pose should look, but in the honest experience of how it feels.
Beyond the yoga mat, our body signals truth in even subtler ways. A gut feeling. A deep sense of knowing. The way our shoulders tighten when we’re not speaking up. The way our breath slows when we’re at peace. We’ve been conditioned to override these signals, to trust the mind above all else. But our inner wisdom is always there—waiting for us to listen.
Practicing Satya: Living Truthfully
To live truthfully is not to be perfect, but to be present—to meet each moment with honesty, awareness, and humility. It’s about questioning our habitual thoughts, listening to (and trusting) our body’s wisdom, and recognizing that truth itself is not always fixed. It evolves as we evolve, requiring openness to learn more.
The next time your mind tells you a familiar story, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself: Is this true? Or is this just a well-worn thought?
And then, listen—not just with your mind, but with your whole being.
Yoga for Listening to Your Inner Voice
If you’d like to practice this concept with me, this Yin Yoga session will not only will you give a full body stretch and release, but also invite you to listen to the reality of your present experience.
Through this practice, you’ll cultivate clarity, self-honesty, and a deeper connection to who you truly are. Whether you're navigating a big decision or simply seeking inner alignment, let this practice be your guide. Settle into stillness and allow yourself to be fully present with what is real within you.
Take a deep breath, and let’s begin.
