 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...
♥️Pratyahara♥️ (Focus & Withdrawal of Senses) 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. 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! We are conditioned to do-do-do and think-think-think. Pratyahara is an essential yoga practice. If you are following the @thenapministry you know they are preaching the good stuff... rest as radical resistance! Let's rest. 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. How will you practice pratyahara? ♥️ Dr. Melissa Jay
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Dr. Melissa Jay is an Indigenous, Nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Canmore Counselling is located Chuwapchipchiyân Kudi Bi (translated from Îyârhe Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”), colonially known as Canmore. We are located the beautiful Rocky Mountains which is considered Treaty 7 land, the traditional territory of the Îyârhe Nakoda, including the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley First Nations, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations, and home of Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. As an act of reconciliation and decolonization, may we work together to answer the TRC's Calls to Action: Truth & Reconciliation Commission Reports and Findings.
At Canmore Counselling we are also priveleged to be yoga students, practitoners, and guides. Our offerings are dedicated to honouring the root of yoga and learning from and amplifying the voices of South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.
At Canmore Counselling we are also priveleged to be yoga students, practitoners, and guides. Our offerings are dedicated to honouring the root of yoga and learning from and amplifying the voices of South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.