Pratyahara

We experience the external world through our senses, and our brain processes the information and informs the mind, which in turn, informs the body (as well as doing LOTS of thinking about it)

We are constantly bombarded with sensory images and impressions, forcing us to absorb and process what is coming at us, all the while challenging our equilibrium and inner peace.

Pratyahara is “Sense withdrawal” and is the practice of consciously closing down the senses, and is the first stage of turning inward for Meditation, however, Pratyahara can be an everyday practice once we know what it is and how to apply it.

When the senses are withdrawn, it is easier for us to turn inward, and to be quiet, and we are more likely to be able to concentrate and hold our focus, leading to clarity of mind, and supporting us to feel more harmony in our lives.

We do this by focusing on something internal like an image in our mind, or a positive experience, it can be anything, as long as we can stay focused on it.. it does take practice though : )

Visualisation or staring with a soft gaze at a ‘dot’ on a page, are other ‘simple’ ways to practice Pratyahara. The concentration will render our other senses less active and will drop us into the Parasympathetic Nervous System calming the body and mind, bringing us into a peaceful state, and ultimately preparing us for Meditation.

Sitting in a church or temple where there is a strong buildup of prayer and contemplation can also help us withdraw from the sensory world.

Pratyahara actually happens daily without our knowing, as we focus on something, we are not responsive to other stimulus coming our way.. we are shut down so to speak.

Being mindful could be considered a form of Pratyahara as we direct our focus at what we are doing eg: working in the garden, or going for a walk, and during the activity, we can pay attention to our thoughts and feelings as we are engaged in it. We can become absorbed in what we are doing (Pratyahara)

Consciously choosing what we watch and listen to when it comes to media, is controlling the input into our senses, and therefore we exercise our will to determine what we are exposed to, we are being discerning with what we allow ourselves to experience, in response to the overload of sensory input from the external world, and lessening it's affects on our mind.

Strong impressions from Media or the external environment, can have a negative effect on us, often without us even noticing, and can lead to an insensitive & ungrateful state of mind, even dulling the mind which is not optimal.

We want to be awake, and conscious of what we are experiencing and feeling, we desire independence of thought and strive to hear our inner voice.. discerning with impressions and associations.

Pratyahara teaches us to conserve our energy, and not let it out all over the place. It can then be used for more creative and spiritual endeavours.

In other words we want to live a Sattvic life.. to be clear & clean, & energised by what we eat, drink, watch and listen to.. even the people we hang out with.. really, we should be discerning with what we consume on all levels.. obviously this is a work in progress, and for us mere mortals most likely a lifelong project, but as it says in patanjali’s Sutras, even the smallest amount of work on this path will save us from immense suffering..

A sensory 'fast' is a good idea, just like we would with food, we can have “Quiet” weekend, or a “screen free” couple of hours before bed, or first thing in the morning.. it will give our minds a much needed break, and potentially open a space for more peaceful & mindful practices like yoga &/or meditation.

Love & light, Sheli x