8 Limb Yoga Part 5

The fifth limb to the 8 limb path of yoga is Pratyahara or sense withdrawal. The roots mean to withdrawal and the other is food. Remembering that the last 4 limbs are internal processes, food is meant more as anything coming into the body from the external, in therms of Pratyahara. How do we withdrawal from the external? Taking periods of silence, or practicing fasting are great methods, both of which I practiced in YTT.

Why is it useful? Because when we can see who and what we are as more than the body and mind then we can start to have a better relationship with desire, needs, and wants. It gives us time to sit with are feelings and track them back into the internal. To me this is very important. As someone who has miscommunicated my feelings, wants, and needs many times in my life, this process allows me to better communicate with the outside world, because I better communicated with my internal.

How do you apply it to your life? Mindfulness is a great way to implement the practice of sense withdrawal. And this doesn’t mean zoning out. It means giving all of your attention to what you are doing, fully, and honestly. When you mindfully meditate with stillness and silence, you will slowly develop and see moments of Pratyahara.

Enjoy your practice

Much love

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