Glossary · A–Z

Terms starting with “S”

190 terms in the conscious-living glossary.

• Sacred CircleRitual & CeremonyA ritual space created for ceremony—often marked and opened with intention.
• Sacred Circle DanceMovement & DanceTraditional circle dances from cultures worldwide for community.
• Sacred SexualityTantra & Sacred SexualityApproaching sexuality as a spiritual practice—honoring the body as a temple.
• Sacred SexualityTantraUsing sexual energy as a path to spiritual awakening.
• Sacred Spot MassageTantra & Sacred SexualityInternal massage addressing energetic and emotional blocks held in intimate areas.
• SadhanaTantraDaily spiritual practice and discipline.
• Sahaja KirtanChanting & DevotionalSpontaneous, unstructured devotional chanting arising naturally.
• Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)Subtle Body & AnatomyThe seventh chakra at the crown—governs spiritual connection and enlightenment.
• Sahasrara ChakraSubtle Body & AnatomyCrown chakra for spiritual connection and enlightenment.
• Salabhasana (Locust Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A prone backbend lifting limbs off the floor—strengthening the back body.
• Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A gentle prone backbend on the forearms—accessible heart opener.
• SamaChanting & DevotionalSufi listening ceremony combining music, poetry, and movement.
• Sama VrittiBreathworkEqual breathing—matching the length of inhale and exhale for balance.
• Sama VrittiBreathworkEqual ratio breathing—same length inhale and exhale.
• SamadhiMeditationA state of deep meditative absorption where the meditator becomes one with the object of meditation.
• SamadhiBuddhist TraditionsMeditative absorption—deep states of concentration and oneness.
• Samadhi (Buddhism)BuddhismConcentration and mental unification in meditation.
• SamakonasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Side splits—full lateral splits with legs extended sideways.
• Samana VayuSubtle Body & AnatomyBalancing vital air at navel governing digestion.
• SamathaMeditationCalm abiding meditation focused on developing concentration and tranquility.
• SamsaraYoga PhilosophyThe cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.
• SamskaraYoga PhilosophyMental impressions—unconscious patterns formed by past actions.
• SamskaraSanskrit & Sacred LanguageMental impressions and habitual patterns from past actions.
• San PedroShamanismAndean cactus medicine for heart-opening ceremonies.
• San Pedro (Huachuma)Shamanism & Plant MedicineA sacred cactus from the Andes used in ceremony for heart opening and healing.
• SanangaShamanism & Plant MedicineEye drops made from Amazonian plants for clearing vision and spiritual sight.
• SanangaShamanism & Plant MedicineAmazonian eye drops for clearing vision and energetic blocks.
• SanangaShamanismAmazonian eye drops for clearing and vision.
• SanghaBuddhist TraditionsThe community of Buddhist practitioners—one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
• SanghaBuddhismBuddhist community of practitioners.
• SankalpaYoga PhilosophyA heartfelt intention or resolve—a vow aligned with one's highest truth.
• SankalpaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageHeartfelt intention or resolve for transformation.
• SankirtanChanting & DevotionalCongregational chanting of the divine names, often in public spaces.
• SanskritSanskrit & Sacred LanguageThe ancient language of yoga—considered a sacred vibration language.
• SanskritSanskrit & Sacred LanguageAncient sacred language of yoga and Hindu texts.
• SantoshaYoga PhilosophyContentment—the second niyama, finding peace with what is.
• SantoshaYoga PhilosophyContentment—finding peace with what is.
• SaptakChanting & DevotionalThe seven-note scale in Indian music, fundamental to kirtan melodies.
• Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)Yoga Poses (Asanas)The "queen of asanas"—balancing on shoulders with legs vertical.
• Sat NamSanskrit & Sacred LanguageTruth is my identity—seed mantra in Kundalini yoga.
• Sat-Chit-AnandaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageBeing-Consciousness-Bliss—the three aspects of ultimate reality.
• SatipatthanaBuddhismFour foundations of mindfulness practice.
• SatoriBuddhismSudden enlightenment experience in Zen tradition.
• SatsangChanting & DevotionalA gathering in the company of truth—often includes meditation, chanting, teachings, and community.
• SatsangSanskrit & Sacred LanguageGathering in the company of truth and wisdom.
• Sattvic DietAyurveda & WellnessPure, light foods promoting clarity and spiritual growth.
• SatyaYoga PhilosophyTruthfulness—the second yama, encouraging honest speech and authentic living.
• SatyaYoga PhilosophyTruthfulness—speaking and living in alignment with truth.
• Satyananda YogaYoga StylesBihar School approach integrating tantra, yoga nidra, and kriya yoga.
• SauchaYoga PhilosophyPurity or cleanliness—the first niyama, referring to body, mind, and environment.
• SauchaYoga PhilosophyPurity—cleanliness of body, mind, and environment.
• Savasana (Corpse Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)Final relaxation pose—lying flat, completely releasing the body and mind.
• Scaravelli-Inspired YogaYoga StylesGentle practice using gravity and breath for natural movement.
• Sei Hei Ki (Harmony Symbol)Energy Work & HealingThe Reiki mental/emotional healing symbol—used for emotional balance and purification.
• SeleniteCrystals & MineralsA high-vibration stone for cleansing, clarity, and connecting to higher realms.
• SeleniteCrystals & MineralsA high-vibration stone for cleansing, clarity, and connecting to higher guidance.
• SeleniteCrystals & MineralsHigh-vibration crystal for cleansing and connection.
• Self-InquiryMeditationRamana Maharshi's practice of asking "Who am I?" to discover the Self.
• SesshinMeditationIntensive Zen meditation retreat lasting several days.
• SesshinBuddhismIntensive Zen meditation retreat lasting several days.
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A supine backbend lifting the hips—strengthening legs and opening the chest.
• SevaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageSelfless service as spiritual practice.
• Sexual TransmutationTantra & Sacred SexualityChanneling sexual energy into creative or spiritual pursuits.
• Shadow YogaYoga StylesHatha yoga focusing on preparatory forms before classical asanas.
• ShaktiTantra & Sacred SexualityThe divine feminine creative power—the active, dynamic force of the universe.
• ShaktiTantraDivine feminine creative power in tantra.
• Shakti DanceMovement & DanceKundalini yoga-inspired dance awakening feminine energy.
• ShamanShamanism & Plant MedicineA healer who journeys between worlds to access spiritual guidance and healing.
• Shamanic BreathworkBreathworkA breathing practice inducing altered states for healing and vision.
• Shamanic BreathworkBreathworkBreathing practice combined with shamanic journeying.
• Shamanic DismembermentShamanismInitiatory vision of death and rebirth.
• Shamanic DrumShamanismFrame drum used to induce trance states.
• Shamanic ExtractionEnergy Work & HealingRemoving intrusive energies that do not belong in a person's energy field.
• Shamanic ExtractionShamanismRemoving spiritual intrusions causing illness.
• Shamanic JourneyShamanism & Plant MedicineAn altered state practice using drumming or other methods to access non-ordinary reality.
• Shamanic JourneyShamanismTraveling to non-ordinary reality through drumming.
• Shamanic ReikiEnergy Work & HealingBlending Reiki and shamanic healing techniques.
• ShamanismShamanismAncient spiritual practice accessing other realms for healing.
• ShamathaMeditationTibetan term for calm abiding meditation developing stability.
• ShantiYoga PhilosophyPeace—often chanted three times to invoke peace in body, speech, and mind.
• ShantiSanskrit & Sacred LanguagePeace—often chanted three times for body, mind, spirit.
• ShatavariAyurveda & WellnessQueen of herbs for feminine health and nourishment.
• ShenTraditional Chinese MedicineSpirit or consciousness—the most refined form of qi housed in the heart.
• ShenTraditional Chinese MedicineSpirit—consciousness and mental-emotional vitality.
• Shen (Spirit)Traditional Chinese MedicineThe spirit or consciousness housed in the heart—governing mental and emotional wellbeing.
• ShikantazaMeditationJust sitting—the objectless meditation of Soto Zen without focusing on anything.
• ShikantazaMeditationSoto Zen practice of "just sitting" without technique or goal.
• Shin SplintsRecovery & InjuryPain along the shinbone (tibia) from overuse. Often caused by increasing mileage too quickly.
• ShirodharaAyurveda & WellnessWarm oil poured in a steady stream on the forehead—deeply calming treatment.
• ShirodharaAyurveda & WellnessWarm oil poured on the forehead for deep relaxation.
• ShivaTantra & Sacred SexualityThe divine masculine principle—pure consciousness, stillness, and the witness.
• Shiva (Tantra)TantraDivine masculine consciousness in tantric philosophy.
• ShlokaChanting & DevotionalA verse or stanza from sacred Sanskrit texts, often chanted.
• ShrutiChanting & DevotionalThe pitch or drone that forms the tonal foundation in Indian music.
• Shruti BoxChanting & DevotionalA bellows-driven drone instrument providing a steady pitch for chanting.
• Shruti BoxSound HealingA harmonium-like drone instrument providing tonal foundation for chanting.
• Shruti BoxSound HealingHand-pumped drone instrument supporting vocal practice.
• ShungiteCrystals & MineralsAn ancient carbon mineral for EMF protection and purification.
• ShungiteCrystals & MineralsCarbon-based stone for EMF protection and grounding.
• SightingSwimming TermsLifting your head mid-stroke to spot course buoys and maintain direction in open water.
• SilaBuddhist TraditionsEthical conduct—virtuous behavior as the foundation of the path.
• Silent RetreatMeditationExtended practice period maintaining noble silence.
• Simhasana BreathBreathworkForceful exhale with tongue out releasing tension.
• Singing BowlsSound HealingMetal or crystal bowls that produce resonant tones when struck or circled with a mallet.
• Sirsasana (Headstand)Yoga Poses (Asanas)The "king of asanas"—balancing inverted on the head and forearms.
• Sirsasana IIYoga Poses (Asanas)Tripod headstand—headstand with hands flat on ground.
• SitaliBreathworkCooling breath—inhaling through a curled tongue to reduce body heat.
• SitaliBreathworkCooling breath through a curled tongue for reducing body heat.
• SitkariBreathworkHissing breath—inhaling through clenched teeth for cooling and calming.
• SitkariBreathworkHissing breath through teeth for cooling and calming.
• Sivananda YogaYoga StylesA classical practice based on five principles: exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, positive thinking.
• Sivananda YogaYoga StylesClassical approach based on five principles: exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, meditation.
• Sivananda YogaYoga StylesClassical approach with five points of yoga lifestyle.
• Six Star FinisherCommunity & CultureTitle earned by completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York.
• SkandasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Side lunge—deep lateral stretch with one leg extended.
• SkandhaBuddhist TraditionsThe five aggregates—form, sensation, perception, formation, consciousness.
• Smoky QuartzCrystals & MineralsA grounding stone that transmutes negative energy and relieves stress.
• Smoky QuartzCrystals & MineralsA grounding stone that transmutes negative energy and relieves stress.
• Smoky QuartzCrystals & MineralsGrounding crystal for releasing negative energy.
• SmudgingShamanism & Plant MedicineBurning sacred herbs like sage or palo santo to cleanse energy and space.
• SmudgingRitual & CeremonyBurning sacred herbs for cleansing and purification.
• So HamSanskrit & Sacred LanguageI am That—mantra connecting individual to universal.
• SobadaShamanism & Plant MedicineTraditional Mexican healing massage addressing physical and energetic imbalances.
• Sodium LoadingNutrition & FuelingDeliberately increasing sodium intake in the 24–48 hours before a hot-weather race to expand plasma volume and improve heat tolerance.
• Solfeggio FrequenciesSound HealingAncient scale frequencies believed to have specific healing and spiritual properties.
• Solfeggio FrequenciesSound HealingAncient tonal scale including 528Hz (love) and other healing frequencies.
• Solfeggio FrequenciesSound HealingAncient sacred frequencies believed to have healing properties.
• Solfeggio FrequenciesSound HealingAncient musical scale frequencies used for healing.
• Solstice CeremonyRitual & CeremonyRituals aligned with the summer or winter solstice—honoring light and darkness cycles.
• Solstice CeremonyRitual & CeremonySeasonal ritual marking the longest and shortest days.
• SOMA BreathBreathworkRhythmic breathing with music and breath holds.
• Somatic YogaYoga StylesYoga focusing on internal sensation and releasing chronic muscular patterns.
• SomaticsMovement & DanceFirst-person experience of the body and movement awareness.
• Sonic AcupunctureSound HealingUsing tuning forks on acupuncture points instead of needles.
• Sonic EntrainmentSound HealingUsing sound frequencies to synchronize brainwaves to desired states.
• Soul HealingEnergy Work & HealingWorking with the soul level for deep transformation.
• Soul LossShamanismParts of the soul leaving due to trauma.
• Soul MotionMovement & DanceConscious dance practice emphasizing authentic movement and presence.
• Soul MotionMovement & DanceConscious dance practice emphasizing awareness and expression.
• Soul RetrievalShamanism & Plant MedicineA shamanic healing to recover soul fragments lost through trauma or life experiences.
• Soul RetrievalEnergy Work & HealingA shamanic practice retrieving soul parts lost through trauma or dissociation.
• Soul RetrievalRitual & CeremonyShamanic ceremony recovering lost parts of the soul.
• Sound BathSound HealingAn immersive experience where participants lie down and receive sound vibrations from bowls, gongs, and other instruments.
• Sound Healing CeremonySound HealingRitual gathering using instruments for collective healing.
• Sound MassageSound HealingPlacing singing bowls on body for vibrational healing.
• Sound MeditationSound HealingMeditation practice using sound as the focal point.
• Sound TherapySound HealingThe therapeutic use of sound and music to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
• Spartan RaceObstacle Course RacingMajor OCR brand offering Sprint (5K), Super (10K), and Beast (21K) distances with 20–30 obstacles.
• Spirit GuideShamanismNon-physical being offering wisdom and support.
• SplitsRunning TerminologyTime for each segment (usually mile or kilometer) of a run. Even splits mean consistent pacing throughout.
• Sprint TriathlonRace Types & DistancesBeginner-friendly triathlon: 750m swim, 20K bike, 5K run. Perfect first multi-sport race.
• Sri Ram Jai RamChanting & DevotionalA devotional chant honoring Lord Rama—invoking protection and blessings.
• Sri YantraTantra & Sacred SexualityThe supreme yantra—nine interlocking triangles representing the cosmos and divine union.
• Sri YantraTantraSupreme yantra representing cosmic creation.
• SrotasAyurveda & WellnessBody channels through which substances and energy flow.
• StotraChanting & DevotionalA hymn of praise—Sanskrit verses extolling the qualities of a deity.
• StotraChanting & DevotionalA devotional poem or hymn praising a deity.
• StotramChanting & DevotionalA hymn of praise composed in Sanskrit verse form.
• StravaCommunity & CultureSocial fitness app for runners and cyclists to log activities, compare segments, and follow friends.
• StridesRunning TerminologyShort bursts of 80–100 meters at near-sprint pace, used for neuromuscular activation and form work.
• StupaBuddhismBuddhist monument containing sacred relics.
• Subtle BodySubtle Body & AnatomyEnergy body beyond the physical containing chakras and nadis.
• Sufi QawwaliChanting & DevotionalEcstatic Sufi devotional music invoking divine love and union.
• Sufi WhirlingMovement & DanceSpinning meditation practiced by dervishes to achieve spiritual ecstasy.
• Sufi WhirlingMovement & DanceSpinning meditation practice of the Mevlevi Sufi order.
• Sun Dance SongChanting & DevotionalSacred songs from Plains tribes for the annual Sun Dance ceremony.
• SUP YogaYoga StylesStand-up paddleboard yoga practiced on water.
• SupercompensationSports ScienceThe body rebuilds stronger after a training stress — the fundamental principle behind all athletic training.
• Supta KonasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Reclined angle pose—wide-legged inversion touching toes overhead.
• Supta KurmasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Sleeping tortoise—bound version with feet behind head.
• Supta VajrasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Reclined thunderbolt—lying back from kneeling position.
• SuryaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageThe sun—associated with masculine energy, heat, and the pingala nadi.
• SuryaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageSun—associated with solar energy and vitality.
• Surya BhedanaBreathworkRight nostril breathing for activating solar energy.
• Sushumna NadiSubtle Body & AnatomyThe central energy channel running through the spine—the path of awakened kundalini.
• Sushumna NadiSubtle Body & AnatomyCentral channel through which kundalini rises.
• SutraBuddhist TraditionsBuddhist scriptures recording the Buddha's teachings and discourses.
• SutraBuddhist TraditionsBuddhist scripture—discourses of the Buddha or commentary on teachings.
• SutraBuddhismBuddhist scripture containing Buddha's discourses.
• Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)Subtle Body & AnatomyThe second chakra below the navel—governs creativity, sexuality, and emotions.
• Svadhisthana ChakraSubtle Body & AnatomySacral chakra for creativity and sexuality.
• SvadhyayaYoga PhilosophySelf-study—the fourth niyama, including study of sacred texts and self-reflection.
• SvadhyayaYoga PhilosophySelf-study—inquiry into one's true nature through study and reflection.
• SvadhyayaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageSelf-study and study of sacred texts.
• Svaroopa YogaYoga StylesConsciousness-based practice releasing core tension from the spine.
• SwaraChanting & DevotionalIndividual musical notes in the Indian scale system.
• Sweat LodgeRitual & CeremonyA purification ceremony in a heated dome structure, often led by Indigenous or trained facilitators.
• Sweat LodgeRitual & CeremonyIndigenous purification ceremony in a heated dome structure.
• Swim-to-Bike TransitionTriathlon SpecificThe T1 transition where athletes exit the water, strip their wetsuit, and mount their bike — often the most chaotic few minutes of a triathlon.
• Symphonic GongSound HealingLarge orchestral gong with wide range of frequencies.