The Examined Heart: Svadhyaya in Relationships

Svadhyaya, or self-study, is a yogic practice of honest self-examination that Mirabai practiced through her devotional poetry and introspection. In the context of Boundaries in Love, svadhyaya becomes a structured inquiry into why we accept certain treatment, what wounds we're trying to heal through relationships, and where our boundaries collapse. This practice involves asking: What am I afraid of losing? Where do I abandon myself to please others? What patterns repeat? Mirabai's poems reveal her willingness to question her own attachments and desires. By bringing this same courage to our relationships, we can identify the unconscious drivers behind boundary violations before they become entrenched patterns. Svadhyaya transforms boundary-setting from reactive rule-making into conscious, informed choice.