In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s we are instructed on the path to realizing the bliss of pure presence, and it’s far-reaching powers and benefits, that is our true nature. Referred to as Samadhi, a state of remembering and embodying the inseparability of body, mind and spirit. A state that we all have access to, as it is who we are before we began suffering from over-identifying with our thoughts.
Patanjali describes five main states of the mind:
Disturbed
Dull
Distracted
One-pointed
Nirodhaha
Similar to the states of the nervous system, these five perceptions and experiences of the mind dictate our quality of life and health. Ultimately, by practicing one-pointed focus we develop the ability to recognize we are not the thinking mind and our thoughts are representative of our bodily state, repetition and experience rather than simple facts or truths about existence.
The mind-state of Nirodhaha is mastery of the mind and the cessation of the fluxuations of the mind-stuff. By practicing yoga, and its multi-faceted and interconnected wisdom teachings, we see through the distortions that have created an illusion of separation and dis-ease and our crystal clear mind observes as the breath attunes with the greater intelligence and we begin to perceive the objects of the world with fresh eyes.
It is from this pure perspective that it becomes clear how love, kindness, appreciation, compassion, patience and tenderness are the greatest strengths and optimal keys to vitality and longevity. When we are calm, grounded, and connected internally, we can safely cohere with others, ourselves, and the world around us, and shine steadily as catalyst’s of healing connection.
When we feel safe and in tune, there is no need to practice shielding and protecting ourselves. We may notice momentary shielding and activation states, as these are important and wonderful aspects of our survival system. And when they are met with loving presence, and guided back into an opening as soon as the stressor has subsided, we grow stronger and even more flexible. When protection, defense and activation/shutdown are no longer your default mode of being, Nirodhaha opens and expands our presence and what once was a shield is laid down as a field of safety and connection expands. A resonance of connection and a flow of presence leads the way, and each moment becomes an opportunity to celebrate aliveness and release the sticky wounds, beliefs and traumas of the past.
Yogic wisdom and practices are guides for coming back home to yourself and stepping more fully into presence, and there are so many paths and practices that you can experiment with.
Ultimately, we all need to practice slowing down so we can access this deep wisdom inside. To recognize the need for rest and the importance of creating the space and environment conducive for healing and restoration daily. When we have that deep connection to restoration and an internal environment that is supported, resourced and connected, we can respond to our struggles and “stuck-points” with compassion, curiosity, patience, and a willingness to appreciate the intention of survival and adaptation rather than berate and judge what is uncomfortable, inconvenient or frustrating.
When we honor and know how to slow down, we also have what we need to speed up and cultivate strength and fluidity at all points of the energetic spectrum. Slowing down requires trust in the innate intelligence of rhythm, the very same rhythm that is alive in you as breath and that animates every system collaborating within and around you.
One such rhythm is called the Infradian Rhythm. For women who menstruate, this monthly rhythm has four distinct stages. When you know and practice working with this rhythm, it becomes a gift that supports your energy reserves on a deep level and a wave you can ride. While this rhythm reflects the monthly cycle, it still garners wisdom for everyone else, as it follows the four seasons and the importance of developing the ability to speed up and slow down rather than stay in one gear all of the time.
Interested in learning more? Reach out with questions or curiosities, and stay tuned for more online breath programs to support you in your journey home to yourself.
xo