09:49

Pratyahara - Sense Withdrawal Relaxation

by Amy Gaster

Rated
4.7
Type
guided
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
650

Pratyahara is the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses.” It is the 5th limb of the 8 limb system of Ashtanga Yoga. Our 5 senses coax us outward from our inner consciousness. When we engage exclusively with our outer senses, our inner world can be forgotten. If this overstimulation prevails, it stirs agitation and disharmony in our minds and emotions. This practice utilizes our 5 senses to draw the attention inward into our subtle realm. With practice, the senses will become clear.

PratyaharaSensory WithdrawalRelaxationAshtanga YogaBody ScanBody Mind SpiritInner PeaceEmotional CalmProgressive RelaxationBody Mind Spirit ConnectionBreathing Awareness

Transcript

This is a profound relaxation practice for bringing in all of the outward sensual consciousness.

We begin with the physical body,

Then move to the breath,

Thoughts,

And emotions,

Experiencing the senses and awareness being drawn inward.

You could do this seated comfortably or lying down.

Take a few moments to set yourself up so that you're comfortable.

Begin to take in a few deep breaths.

Notice how still the body and breath become as they relax.

Observe the breath without controlling it as it comes and goes without any strain.

Guide this gentle breath to bring all sensual awareness from the feet,

Ankles,

Lower legs,

Knees,

Thighs,

Hips.

Relax.

Guide this awareness to withdraw from the fingers,

Hands,

Wrists,

Forearms,

Elbows,

Upper arms.

Let go of holding awareness in the hands and arms or shoulders.

Relax.

Do the same with the buttocks and pelvis.

Allow the abdomen to soften.

Imagine the chest,

Lungs,

The heart,

And the throat relaxed.

Gently allow the awareness from the base of the spine to slowly rise up through the middle spine to the upper spine.

Relax the shoulders and allow the neck to be an open connection between the heart and the head.

Relax.

Notice the sensations as the body retreats.

The head holds most of the organs of the senses.

Sense the head.

Gently relax the jaw and withdraw taste and speech from the mouth.

Withdraw smell from the nose.

Allow the eyelids and the eyes to soften.

Moving toward the inner sight.

Relax the forehead and tune the ears to the inner sounds.

Relax the entire scalp and bathe the breath with relaxation.

Allow the gentle breath to relieve the mind and emotions of all movement.

Relax.

Gently bring the awareness to the gentle breath as it enters and leaves the body.

As it enters,

Feel yourself drawing deeper within.

As it leaves,

Feel yourself letting go of all holdings.

Notice a lightness and a feeling of distancing from the body.

Notice a lightness and a feeling of distancing from the body,

The mind,

Emotions,

And all worldly cares.

Begin to go further within to look for that place of stillness,

Peace,

And joy.

This is the dwelling place of your divine self.

This is the dwelling place of your divine self.

This is the dwelling place of your divine self.

Slowly and gently bring the awareness back to the breath.

Begin to increase the inhalation and feel that the senses have been purified and strengthened.

Begin to feel them awakening to a relaxed body and a calm mind.

As you continue with this practice,

Your senses will become accustomed to drawing inward.

It will become effortless to prepare the mind and emotions for deeper practice.

Be patient.

You can start to move the body like wiggling fingers and toes.

And just very gently make your way up.

Slowly open your eyes.

Thank you for practicing.

Meet your Teacher

Amy GasterWallingford, CT, USA

4.7 (54)

Recent Reviews

Jeff

July 4, 2021

Thanks for posting. Calming. ❤❤❤❤

Sarah

July 3, 2021

Very good

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© 2025 Amy Gaster. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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