Honesty Lessons
Speak Your Truth: Practicing Satya
Kindergarten Lesson H teaches young children the consequences of being honest.
“Speak your truth” is a common phrase today, but what does it really mean? In yoga, Satya—one of the yamas (ethical guidelines) from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali—translates to truthfulness. Practicing Satya is more than simply “not lying.” It’s about aligning your words, thoughts, and actions with honesty, integrity, and kindness.
On the mat, Satya means moving in a way that is safe for your body, finding comfort in each pose, and pausing to listen inward. When you quiet the mind, you discover that the answers you seek are already within you.
Off the mat is where Satya becomes more challenging. Many of us create unnecessary suffering by overgeneralizing or catastrophizing—turning small bumps into mountains. You may hear yourself saying: I always get left out. Nobody likes me. The weather is awful. This is the worst.
Today, try simply noticing. Listen to the words you use. Are you adding drama to something small? Can you shift toward truth? With practice, these little adjustments open the door to a life lived with greater clarity, peace, and authenticity. Below are 5 steps to speak your truth.
Pause before speaking – Notice if what you’re about to say is both true and kind. Satya is truthfulness, but it should also be practiced with ahimsa (non-harming). Truth delivered harshly can wound.
Speak authentically – Express your real feelings and needs rather than saying what others want to hear. For example, in a yoga class, choosing to rest in child’s pose instead of pushing through reflects Satya to yourself.
Honor your inner voice – Speaking your truth doesn’t always mean talking more; sometimes it means saying less, but with sincerity and conviction.
Balance truth with compassion – Ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? This keeps Satya from becoming bluntness or criticism.
Practice self-inquiry – Journaling, meditation, or mantra can help you uncover your personal truth, so you’re not just repeating others’ beliefs but speaking from your authentic self.
Powerful You Character Lessons for Kids
Grades K-1 Primary: Honest Holden (Lesson H)
Teaching honesty to kindergarteners is important because it lays the foundation for trust, responsibility, and healthy relationships as they grow. At this age, children are just beginning to understand right from wrong and how their actions affect others.
Grades 2-6: Direct Dalia (Lesson D).
Teaching elementary children to be honest with their words is powerful because, at this age, they’re learning how language shapes relationships and builds trust.
Teens: Communicating C (Lesson C). Teaching teens to communicate clearly with honesty is essential because this is the stage where they’re forming their identity, building independence, and navigating more complex relationships.
🎲 “Two Truths and a Fib – Honesty Challenge”
Goal: Practice telling the truth, spotting dishonesty, and discussing why honesty matters.
How to Play:
Each student thinks of two true statements about themselves and one fib.
Example: “I love pizza.” (truth) “I have a pet snake.” (truth) “I can fly an airplane.” (fib)
The student shares all three statements with the class (or small group).
The group tries to guess which statement is the fib.
After the reveal, talk about how easy or hard it was to tell which was untrue.
Discussion Questions:
How did it feel to try and figure out the fib?
Why is it sometimes tempting to bend the truth?
How do people feel when they find out something isn’t true?
Why do you think honesty is important in friendships and at school?
Variation for Younger Kids (K–2):
Instead of making up fibs, tell short scenarios and ask: “Is this honest or not honest?” (e.g., “You say you finished your homework, but you didn’t”). Kids can hold up a thumbs up for honesty, thumbs down for dishonesty.