A Guest Post by Lotus Kitty

Pratyahara is a sensory withdrawal. It is the process of freeing your senses from the outer world so you can focus on yourself. What we perceive with our sense can be overwhelming, which is why the Pratyahara effectively bridges the gap between the external disciplines in yoga to the focus of your inner growth.

Want to know more about yoga, health and wellness? Our friends from Lotus Kitty would be happy to help. Go to www.lotuskitty.com for more tips.

The Benefits Of Pratyahara

  1. Immunity

Studies have shown that stress and negative thoughts are linked to a low performing immunity system. Stress reduces the ability of the immunity to fight antigens in our bodies. And because pratyahara is consciously ridding yourself of the bad things you think, see and feel, it supports your immunity system in the process.

  1. Focus

It’s easy to get lost in a whirlpool of a busy lifestyle. Pratyahara helps you focus as it teaches you to redirect your attention inward as you clear yourself of unhealthy distractions. The constant practice of pratyahara prevents you from sensory overload.

  1. Energy and Productivity

As you continue to shut yourself and control the negative feelings, impressions, and food you take in, you make yourself more energetic and productive in the process. The practice of pratyahara helps you overcome this sluggishness to accomplish more things throughout the day.

How To Practice The 4 Types Of Pratyahara

Pratyahara is a discipline with specific types. Like all other limbs in yoga, it requires a lifetime of practice, and it all starts with a good understanding of the basics.

  1. Karma pratyahara – This refers to controlling the actions, so you shift it to the right work.

How:

  • Selfless service like volunteer work
  • Offering gifts to the Lord
  1. Mano pratyahara – This refers to the withdrawal of the mind and the unpleasant stimulus that causes distraction and distress.

How:

  • Meditating on nature
  • Visiting temples
  1. Indriya pratyahara – This refers to the collective withdrawal of the senses and its redirection to the mind.

How:

  • Focus on one sense perception like looking at the sky
  • Listening to meditative music
  1. Prana pratyahara – This refers to the withdrawal of the prana, which is said to be the vital energy of the body that regulates our bodily functions.

How:

  • Practice breathing techniques from the pranayama limb
  • Mindful breathing

>> Want to know more about yoga, health and wellness? Our friends from Lotus Kitty would be happy to help. Go to www.lotuskitty.com for more tips.

Conclusion

Ashtanga yoga is a collection of limbs that work together as you aim to achieve the union and oneness of all living things. Pratyahara bridges the gap between the external and internal disciplines so you can continue to live a meaningful life.