Saucha, the first of Patanjali's niyamas or observances, refers to the physical, mental and spiritual freedom that purity offers.
Purity is the result of clearing away clutter of the mind, body and speech.
The practice of Saucha on all levels honors the Self and others, allowing one to experience increasing calm and stability even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Generally when we think of cleanliness, our physical self first comes to mind.
Because illness robs us of peace of mind and the ability to focus clearly, physical cleanliness is important.
There are three main areas of purity.
Of these three areas, physical purity is relatively easy, verbal decency is more difficult and to be virtuous of thought seems almost impossible.
Below are several examples where one may experience the basic levels of Saucha, both on and off the yoga mat.
Saucha "on" the Mat

• Physical: Cleanliness of body, props and the physical space around you allows for increased concentration and a greater sense of freedom during practice.
  
• Vocal: Allow 'quiet' to be a vehicle that transports you into your own unique experience, and that also honors the experience of others.
  
• Thought: Be aware of the thoughts that come knocking on the door of the mind, but do not buy into them.
  Instead notice the bodily sensations that occurs from one moment to the next during yoga asana's, and how the sensations change from moment to moment.
  As you observe you may find that the mind clears and you have the freedom to explore the beauty of yoga.
  

Saucha "off" the Mat

• Physical: Clearing away the clutter or mess in our immediate environment provides a nice release of tension.
  Begin with a small area and notice the mental freedom it affords.
  
• Vocal: Any negative or hurtful utterance will cause harm.
  (to others and the self) To keep suffering at bay and purity in mind, we can clean up our speech habits - that is, what we say and how we say it.
  Saucha also means not to pass on any type of news that is disturbing or less than savory.
  
• Thought: Outside objects, people, things compete for our attention.
  Thought pulls us in every direction.
  Distraction keeps us in turmoil.
  Centering ourselves in neutrality and "letting go of stuff," allows an experience of peace in this very moment.
  

One advantage of having your own Guru, as in ancient times, is that you'd have support through the many stages of mental purification.
To have your Guru exclaim, "Yes, you are on the path," would be music to the ears! As in dieting, one cannot expect to wake up tomorrow morning and be 40 pounds lighter, mental purity occurs bit by bit.
You may practice not being attached to a certain outcome, and not being caught up in other peoples turmoil, each day.
Two months down the road, you notice that a situation crops up that previously would have had you frothing at the mouth in blind rage.
Now, you notice that a similar situation has very little effect on your psyche, that you are able to control your speech, and that you actually are able to step back and respond in an amiable and constructive manner.
It is in these moments that you know you are progressing on the path of Saucha.
By bringing the mind back to neutrality, by practicing honorable speech, and health of your physical environment, equanimity, peace and serenity become available to you.
Increasingly you are able to cope well in light of difficulty and with pleasure and gratitude, you come to know the deeper meaning of purity.