Eight Limbs of Yoga Studies: PRATYAHARA

We have explored the first four limbs of yoga... 1. Yamas (outer ethical codes) 2. Niyamas (the the inner, personal ethical practices) 3. Asana (postures) 4. Pranayama (breath control) & today we move to the 5th limb... ⁠
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♥️Pratyahara♥️
(Focus & Withdrawal of Senses)⁠⁠
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Freeing the mind from the nervous system by shifting from our outer senses (seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, & smelling) to our inner landscape of being.⁠

Confusing? ⁠
Yep... This limb is far less tangible than other yoga practices like pranayama & asana.⁠
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Let's make it tangible!⁠
Savasana (final resting pose)! Often savasana is the most challenging posture as it invites us to lay flat, still & to just be. When we give into this posture, our muscles relax, breath slows... supporting connection to deeper layers of ourselves. ⁠Yoga Nidra can support this deeply restorative experience too!
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We are conditioned to do-do-do and think-think-think. Pratyahara is an essential yoga practice. ⁠
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If you are following the @thenapministry you know they are preaching the good stuff... rest as radical resistance! ⁠
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Let's rest. ⁠
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My intention is to unplug as often as possible and honour when it feels right to log-on. Social media can spark joy and keep us connected! That said, it also can lead to stimulation & information overload. I probably have a library worth of saved posts I want to return to, reflect on, with concepts & ideas I want to research... and for now, I will turn inward.
May we sit in candle light, watch the snow, be still & practice being. ⁠
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How will you practice pratyahara? ⁠
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♥️ Dr. Melissa⁠ Jay