Pranayama (control of breath/energy) and Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) are the fourth and fifth limbs of yoga.
Pranayama
The way we breathe can influence the flow of energy in our body. Certain breath techniques can calm us whilst others can energise us. When we observe the breath, we can learn a lot about ourselves and how we are feeling. For example, if we are nervous or excited our breath will be short and quick, and when we are relaxed it will be slow and deep.
In yoga we are advised to breathe in and out through our nose. It is our bodies natural defence system as the nose filters the breath. I’m currently reading an amazing book “Breath” by James Nestor, which I highly recommend. You might like to learn about his work by listening to Dr Rangan Chattergee’s podcast with James. Here they discuss his book and the studies that reveal the many benefits of breathing through the nose and the many powers of the breath. This is something that yogis have known all along and we are now rediscovering these gems. 🙂
Pratyahara
From Pranayama we come to Pratyahara. This is withdrawal of the senses, which means lessening our reactions to all the stimuli we receive – quietening the noise. In a world as busy and informed as it is today it is very beneficial for us to quieten the noise.
Sometimes too much information can be very distracting and disturbing. Our practise of Pratyahara allows us to turn in and focus on what is necessary and important to us right now. It is good to know what is going on but not to the detriment of our heath or the ability to do our actions well. We have the choice, to turn phone off, to slow down to step away. To simply be with ourselves and no one else.
By focusing on the breath(pranayama) we can turn in and quieten the noise (pratyahara). This is the first stage of meditation. When we practise this on a regular basis, we can be present and find peace. We can be the best version of ourselves.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you “quieten the noise”.
