A wholesome thoughts can ward of detrimental exterior influences simply as a wholesome physique can combat off pathogens. Our senses are the doorways to the thoughts; every thing we see, hear, contact, scent, style, and suppose will construct up in our unconscious. Fixed sensory exercise can preserve us trapped in a decrease state of consciousness, resulting in an absence of focus and overindulgence. Practices of Pratyahara can information us to stay a life that’s extra intentional in motion and use of the senses.
Pratyahara is the fifth limb of Yoga, inside the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, it serves because the bridge between controlling the breath, Pranayama, and management of the thoughts, Dharana. Pratyahara shouldn’t be merely proscribing the senses or closing them off, it’s regulating and coordinating the senses so we are able to select what to feed our thoughts and allow proper use of the senses.
People have this unbelievable capability to carry the senses inward when the motivation is correct and coordination of the thoughts and senses is current. Sadly, sensory overindulgence has plagued our leisure tradition. Junk media accumulates in our unconscious thoughts, like ama (metabolic waste) that builds up within the intestine. Whereas a detox from sure meals can profit the physique, sensory withdrawal from social media, tv, and the information advantages the thoughts. Within the cleaning nature of spring, strive a junk media detox to follow Pratyahara. Begin by eradicating any detrimental media shops that usually enter your subject of consumption, this can be social media apps, sure music or information stations. To amplify the advantages of a media detox, strive a easy meditation or Pranayama follow. You possibly can be taught extra about Pranayama on this article: “Awakening Vitality with the Breath: Pranayama.”
Whereas eradicating detrimental impressions is a crucial a part of Pratyahara, directing our consideration towards constructive impressions is simply as vital for making a deeply fulfilling life. Constructive impressions repair our thoughts on good natured qualities or objects, akin to creating an altar, meditating on nature, or going to a temple. Life turns into a sacred ritual once we commit our actions to the selfless service of humanity or God (whichever you consider in).The act of devotional service to one thing sacred, bigger than ourself cultivates a thoughts that’s affected person and sort. Fixing our sense of sight on one thing uniform and peaceable additionally nourishes the thoughts by way of Pratyahara. Gazing on the ocean or sundown, for instance, is straightforward on the eyes and thoughts. Select to comply with whichever sensations domesticate a sattvic (harmonious) thoughts for you.
The thoughts is just like the sixth sense organ, because it coordinates all different senses. Pratyahara helps strengthen and nourish the thoughts to beat the senses. When the senses are managed, we don’t crave ailing meals, junk media, or any sensations that might illness the thoughts or physique. Ayurveda emphasizes the facility of utilizing our senses with good nature to forestall illness and stay our life to the fullest.
Outcomes of Pratyahara
~ Extra ease in altering your habits and breaking previous cycles.
~ Extra psychological area and readability to know the reality by way of your intuitive information.
~ Wholesome thoughts, joyful soul
It’s not all the time straightforward to know what choice is finest in your well being and wellness, however clearing out the psychological chatter to create area in your pure instinct and pure intentions expedites the journey to your highest, healthiest self.
Pratyahara exists in all eight limbs of yoga. It’s the thread of consciousness that weaves by way of all practices of mindfulness. Whether or not you might be shifting your perspective in direction of non-judgement or inserting your physique into an intentional posture, Pratyahara is there. Pratyahara prepares us for management of the monkey thoughts, also referred to as Dharana— the sixth limb of Yoga. After we’re residing from a spot of sensory self management, we open up our thoughts to increase in ways in which wouldn’t in any other case be attainable.
For those who’re serious about studying concerning the prior 4 limbs of yoga, look into our articles:
4th limb–Awakening Vitality with the Breath: Pranayama
third limb–The Energy of Posture: Asana
2nd limb–Yoga’s Information to Self Self-discipline and Non secular Apply: Niyamas
1st limb–Yoga’s Moral Information for Social Conduct: The Yamas
The eight limbs of yoga had been first described within the Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali, written by the traditional sage Patanjali. Their reality has held the take a look at of time, although requires trendy diversifications for our life immediately. We hope these interpretations serve to assist nourish your thoughts, physique and soul.
References
Frawley, David. Yoga and Ayurveda. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Lotus Press. 1999.
Photograph by Anna Tarazevich
Revealed 3/26/2025
Article by Kaylee Vinson
