Pratyahara Under Scrutiny

Not that we will be scrutinizing pratyahara, but that we will practice under scrutiny.

Scientists know that when a phenomenon is observed it changes; merely by the act of watching something you can change it. Many of our habits are changed by initiating that first step: watch what you do. As you become aware of actions, maybe actions you don't even know the origins of, you become less likely to continue them. When you watch your breath it is a challenge not to make changes to it; to resist the temptation to make it move as you think it should. When you do yoga in a group, or in a room that is observable from the outside, you will choose different actions than when you practice yoga alone at home. I find it challenging to motivate myself at home to practice big, sweaty asana and sometimes an extended sama vritti. But put me in a yoga studio with a teacher and a bunch of other students and watch how still I sit. Look how sweaty I am.

Pratyahara is the practice of withdrawing the senses. As you get better at reducing your external stimuli input, you are forced to face your internal voice; your mind's eye and ear. When you take away the external distractions you are under your own scrutiny. You may have let go of the power of another's view through certain techniques, but now you must let go of your own ego driven need to be "good" in another's eyes.

Let today's practice be your opportunity to live without judgement, comparison, or the need to please. Practice without editing yourself.