The Art of
Being Happy

Happy Fall, all!

As we continue through the ashtanga (eight limbs) of yoga, we move into Pratyahara, aka Sense Withdrawal or Sensory Transcendence. Pratyahara is a practice of turning inward, of withdrawing the senses from external stimuli to the subtler experiences of the mind. Pratyahara cultivates mental discipline and discernment, and prepares us for the concentration needed for meditation.

As the senses withdraw, the intuitive mind awakens.

This article from Yoga International is a beautiful exploration of pratyahara, both in concept and practice: http://yogainternational.com/article/view/pratyahara

Here are some more gems:
From a spiritual perspective, our actions and what we experience through the senses are of utmost importance—they are the vehicle for achieving our purpose in life and giving us what we need for self-knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and, ultimately, true and lasting freedom (moksha). The problem arises when we can’t let sensations go, and we get swept away by the sensory world, only to wash up on its shores exhausted and confused…

“When the mind is guided by the wandering senses, then it carries away one’s understanding, as does the wind a ship on the water,” warns the Bhagavad Gita in a poetic description of the relentless pursuit of sensation at the expense of our physical, emotional, and mental health.

Pratyahara practices lead to a profound state of relaxation, expanded self-awareness, and inner stability. They help us master both the body and the mind.

Here are some other articles that might be of interest to you:
Pratyahara, the fifth limb, means withdrawal or sensory transcendence. It is during this stage that we make the conscious effort to draw our awareness away from the external world and outside stimuli. Keenly aware of, yet cultivating a detachment from, our senses, we direct our attention internally. The practice of pratyahara provides us with an opportunity to step back and take a look at ourselves. This withdrawal allows us to objectively observe our cravings: habits that are perhaps detrimental to our health and which likely interfere with our inner growth. (from http://www.yogajournal.com/article/beginners/the-eight-limbs/)

“The senses are like a mirror,” Satchidananda writes in his Sutras book. “Turned outward, they reflect the outside; turned inward, they reflect pure light…. when allowed to turn outside they attract everything and transfer those messages to the mind, making it restless. Turned inward, they find peace by taking the form of the mind itself.” from: http://www.yogaglo.com/blog/2013/04/the-eight-limbs-of-yoga-pratyahara/

And from “The Deeper Meaning of Yoga”, by Deepak Chopra (http://www.originmagazine.com/2012/05/12/the-deeper-meaning-of-yoga-by-deepak-chopra-md/):

OCTOBER POM & TOM

Our Themes of the Month for October are Pratyahara and the seasonal practice of Letting Go. You can combine these themes (releasing attachment to desire and sensory habits) or teach either, throughout the month.

Our Poses of the Month are detoxifying twists… and deep, long, relaxing savasanas. Hello, fall.

Asana:
Align & Flow – Parivrtta Parsvakonasana var. (aka Revolved Side Angle or Prayer Twist Lunge, back knee up or down, working towards a half or full bind), Savasana
Vinyasa – Parivrtta Parsvakonasana var. (aka Revolved Side Angle or Prayer Twist Lunge, back knee up or down, working towards a half or full bind), Savasana
Slow Flow – Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle), Savasana
Deep Stretch – Parivrtta Supta Padangusthasana (reclining big toe pose, with a straight leg twist), Savasana
Aerials – tba

Resources
Let’s Twist Again – Twisting Poses will help restore your spine’s natural range of motion, cleanse your organs, and stimulate circulation: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/817
Twist Anatomy Resource: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/817
Twists for Energy: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2828
Parivrtta Parsvakonasana variation: http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/revolved-side-angle-pose/
Turn Up The Torque – Rev up your Revolved Triangle Pose by keeping your pelvis neutral and turning your trunk: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2742
Revolved Triangle: http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/692
Reclining Big Toe Pose: http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/reclining-big-toe-pose/
Interesting Navel Radiation: http://www.yogajournal.com/article/practice-section/asana-column-supta-padangusthasana-reclining-big-toe-pose-with-variations/
Ayurveda – Seasons of Change: http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2617
Healthy Transitions from Summer to Fall: http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/nl/009.html

Pranayama: Ujjayi Breath, Natural Breath (especially in guided relaxation), Bhramari (Humming Bee) Pranayama
Resources
Bhramari (Humming Bee) Pranayama http://yogawithsubhash.com/2010/11/16/bhramari-humming-bee-pranayama/
5 Ways to Practice Bhramari: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/5-ways-to-practice-bhramari

Mudra:
Anjali Mudra (aka prayer mudra), Shanmukhi Mudra (aka Yoni Mudra)
Resources
Shanmukhi Mudra: http://www.yogarasa.org/practice-menu/9-bandha/60-shanmukhi-mudra-or-yoni-mudra.html
Yoga Practices for OCD: Shanmukhi Mudra: http://integralyogamagazine.org/yoga-practices-for-ocd-shanmukhi-mudra/
Anjali Mudra, with Shiva Rea: http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/145

Thank you for reading! Please let me know if you have any questions, and please share your thoughts, inspirations, and any additional resources you find on our Facebook Group page. I look forward to growing with you this season!
Autumn Love,
Allison