Pratyahara

We are so grateful for those who practiced Peace with us in September and feel that we can deepen the essence of peace through October’s practice of Pratyahara, sense withdrawal

Pratyahara is a deep practice of going inward, quieting the distractions from the external world that helps increase our sense of self awareness. One of Patanjali's eight limbs of Yoga, Pratyahara asks us to tune into our internal world, shedding the noise and distractions from the outer world around us.

By consciously withdrawing our senses from external stimuli, we create space for introspection and self-discovery. This intentional turning inward enables us to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering greater resilience and balance in our daily lives.

As we come to be deeply aware of our inner world through Pratyahara, we become devoted to our true nature.  Like tending to our garden, we cultivate who we truly are, free of how others perceive us or desire us to “fit” their needs. The fruits of this practice are inner calm and peace.  Our capacity to focus and find clarity are the fruits of this labor of love.

In yoga practice we often bring our attention to our breath, feeling the nature of the inhalation and exhalation, listening for the sound of it while releasing any judgments we may have about it. This is an easy way to focus inward and begin the practice of Pratyahara. As you go deeper you begin to explore the nature of your thoughts and feelings.  You explore what thoughts and feelings align with your true nature, your moral compass and liberates you from the external pressures of the outer world.

In practicing Pratyahara, we begin to notice the subtle layers of our inner experiences. The process may reveal habitual patterns or reactions that often go unnoticed amid daily busyness. With gentle awareness, we have the opportunity to release what no longer serves us and nurture a deeper connection to our authentic selves.

The practice of Pratyahara requires us to set aside time to be still, quiet and attentive to our inner world. As we embark on this journey throughout October, consider incorporating small moments each day to consciously withdraw your attention from digital devices, conversations, or other distractions. Even a few minutes spent in mindful solitude can reveal surprising insights and restore a sense of harmony. Remember, Pratyahara is not about complete isolation, but about creating intentional pauses that nurture your inner landscape