Tuning In to a Better You

Anne Unger, RYT

Pratyahara, the fifth limb in yoga, is one of my all time favorite practices. It teaches us how to consciously withdraw our senses from the outside world and look inward. It’s a practice that helps me stay focused and connected to my true self. I have learned how to stop at any point throughout the day, even during the most stressful and chaotic times, and tune into what I’m feeling. It allows me to remain present in the moment and think through my actions rather than thoughtlessly reacting (or overreacting) in a way that I may later regret. I can rest easily in difficult moments so my inner voice can surface, until the answers I need become apparent.

I love that I can practice pratyahara anytime, anywhere. It’s such an important part of my life and practice that I bring it into all of my classes, giving students several opportunities to focus inward, to withdraw from the world around them, and notice what’s happening inside. It’s a beautiful moment for me, to witness so many people at once tune in and let go of all that surrounds them.

Not all worldly moments are treated equally, however. There will be setbacks. Even when I know I shouldn’t respond or react to something without thinking it through, I can find myself doing it anyway. It’s almost as if there’s a host of harsh and turbulent situations lurking around every corner, ready to trick us, ready to pull us into a vortex of bitter regret. But I know my alarm sound now; I’ve been paying attention. It’s loud and fierce and fills my head. It’s simple, but damning, and sounds like: “WHAT?!”

As soon as that alarm goes off, I know I need to step back from whatever is happening—whether it’s an abrupt email, an unpleasant phone call or a personal affront—and breathe, bringing my focus inward. Connecting first to my breath helps me withdraw from the over stimulated senses, then I can tune in to my better self, my thoughtful and reasonable self. It’s about tuning in, rather than tuning out and running from reality. It’s about choosing how we can best respond in challenging moments, rather than simply being reactionary.

Breathing deeply can help calm the nerves in difficult situations, and maybe even stop you from making rash decisions, or saying something you later wish you hadn’t, but the practice of pratyahara works deeper. It allows us to stop time, to take a moment to ourselves and bring control over the mind. It creates an opportunity to tune in to our true self and get grounded to make better choices.

At my next Tea Talk, we’ll discuss this idea of tuning in to our true self during uncomfortable situations and choosing how to respond. Join me for Tea Talk on Monday, February 18, 6-7pm. Stay for my 7:15pm class to experience a mindful vinyasa flow in candlelight that focuses on tuning in and getting grounded.

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Sutra 2.54. When the senses withdraw themselves from the objects and imitate, as it were, the nature of the mind-stuff, this is pratyahara.