It’s September, which means that we’re nearing the end of another term here at Govinda Valley.
One of the qualities we focus on deeply here in the Valley is sattva — the state of balance and harmony that brings clarity, peace, and purpose to our lives.
According to the Yogic scriptures, the material world is influenced by three modes:
Rajas — activity and movement
Tamas — rest and inertia
Sattva — balance and harmony
These modes shape our minds, our thoughts, and ultimately, the quality of our lives.
Think of them as the legs of a tripod: we need all three to stay steady.
Tamas enables us to take a step back and recharge our batteries, rajas gives us the motivation and drive to take action, and sattva brings joy and peace when we’re aligned with our purpose.
When one mode dominates, imbalance arises. Too much tamas can leave us stuck or disconnected, while too much rajas may lead to anxiety and burnout. Through the cultivation of sattva, we create space for insight, compassion, and conscious living.
Simple Ways to Bring More Sattva Into Your Life
Getting outside and breathing fresh air
Eating nourishing, grounding whole foods
Engaging in meaningful conversations and connections
Performing small acts of kindness (e.g. cooking for a loved one, giving up your seat on the train for someone who needs it more, etc.)
Building and maintaining a balanced daily routine
Spending quiet, loving time with your pet
The Quiet Rhythm of Balance
Through the cultivation of sattva, we create space for insight, compassion, and conscious living. It reminds us that balance is not something to be achieved once, but something we return to — moment by moment — with awareness and care.
When we align with sattva, life begins to flow with a quiet rhythm. In that gentle space of balance, we rediscover peace, purpose, and the simple joy of being fully present.
