Going Inward

I like to think of myself as an “alternate” yoga instructor, meaning I don’t use a lot of Sanskrit or go too deep into yoga philosophy when I teach. That’s really because my ultimate goal is always to make sure people feel welcomed, like they know what’s going on in class without needing to have an extensive background in yoga.

That said, I do love a little yoga philosophy as it lends so well to learning about life. Ancient practices tend to resonate over centuries, don’t they?

The idea of Pratyahara in yoga, which means the withdrawal of senses, might resonate with you this holiday season. When we consciously disengage the mind from external stimuli (hello, phone!), we’re able to go “inward” and bridge the gap between what’s going on outside the body to what’s happening inside the mind.

This holiday season, can you bring a little Pratyahara into your life by putting your phone down and being present with your family? Can you take a moment to pause and breathe before acting or saying something?

Besides the most natural state of Pratyahara (sleep!!!), try this short yoga flow to practice withdrawal.