Niyamas
The Niyamas are the “do’s” to the Yamas “don’ts.” Niyama translates to Non-Control. They are: Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapasya (austerity), Swadhyara (self-study), and Iswara Pranidhana (devotion).
Saucha
Saucha or cleanliness is an attribute that we shouldn’t have to talk about, yet we do. It is cleanliness in our props, hygiene, dress, manner and speech. Our props need to be in good shape. Our silk handkerchiefs should not be worn and wrinkled. Our playing cards shouldn’t look as they were our grandfather’s. Our apparel should be neat, clean, and good quality. Good quality may cost a little more up-front but it will last.
Our hands are important to our work and need to be in good shape. If your hands are rough and dry, explore creams and lotions that will help smooth them out. It may take some trail and error as different lotions produce different results. I have always had good results with Shea Butter based products. If you have issues with damp, clammy hands, there are many potential solutions and a quick on-line search should turn up one that works for you. If your nails are a disaster, follow the advice of Eugene Burger and find a manicurist that will help you to learn how to take care of your nails.
Our speech and manner should be appropriate for our venues and clients. Even if you work in Comedy Clubs, the use of certain words are only good for shock value. Today’s Comedy Club audiences have become numb to the shock, so why bother? How would you feel if you found out a corporate booker was in the audience and passed you by because of this one thing?
Moving beyond ourselves, Saucha is eliminating clutter in our stage setting, rehearsal space and even in the routines we perform. A messy rehearsal space makes practice and rehearsal drudgery as we need to find things, move things and struggle through the session. Our routines need to be clean and direct. If a participant cannot explain a routine easily then something needs to be streamlined. Whether on an actual stage, a platform or table side, our setting needs to clean of clutter. Clutter takes away focus from what we were trying to convey. There is no need for our audience to be looking at a display case at a magic shop.
Reflection In Action:
- What is the condition of my props and clothing? Are there items that are worn and need to be recycled?
- Are my hands, hair and appearance attractive and appropriate for my venues and clients?
