12:16

Letting Go: Open Awareness From Sutra 1:12

by Cait Chick

Rated
4.8
Type
guided
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Experienced
Plays
408

Inspired by Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1:12, this meditation invites you to cultivate open awareness, practicing without attachment to thoughts or sensations. In this meditation, we gently observe the mind’s activity, allowing thoughts to arise and fade without clinging to them. This practice fosters a deep sense of inner stillness and non-attachment, helping you connect to the present moment with clarity and ease. "Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tannirodhah" which translates to: "The cessation of the fluctuations of the mind is achieved through practice (abhyasa) and non-attachment (vairagya).

MeditationYogaMindfulnessNon AttachmentBreathInner StillnessPresent MomentGratitudeYoga SutrasBreath AnchorEffort And Release BalanceMindfulness BreathingMental Modification RestraintGratitude Practice

Transcript

Yoga Sutra 1 Verse 12 Abhyasa Vairagyabhyam Tannirodha These mental modifications are restrained by practice and non-attachment.

This is the simple practice of coming into the present moment,

Using the breath as an anchor and letting go of thoughts.

When you're ready,

Find a comfortable seated position,

With your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed.

Begin to lengthen your spine,

Relax your shoulders and rest your hands on your knees or your lap.

Now gently close your eyes and take a few breaths in and out.

Set an intention to explore the balance between effort and release.

Allow your breath to settle into a natural rhythm and prepare the mind and body to come into a space where there is non-judgment,

There is curiosity and acceptance.

Begin focusing on the sensation of your breath,

Moving gently in and out of the body.

With each inhalation,

Feel the gentle expansion of your chest and your belly and with each exhalation,

Allow any tension or resistance to dissolve.

Mentally repeat,

I am here in this moment,

Practicing without attachment to the outcome.

I am here in this moment,

Practicing without attachment to the outcome.

Practicing without attachment to the outcome.

Gently observe any thoughts,

Emotions or distractions without judgment and then guide your focus back to the breath each time your mind wanders.

I am here in this moment,

Practicing without attachment to the outcome.

For the next few minutes,

Use the breath as your sole focus.

You can either count each breath cycle or simply remain aware of the sensation of breathing.

As distractions arise,

Practice Sabyas by continually bringing your attention back to the breath with kindness and persistence.

Each time you return to the breath,

Think of it as a step in strengthening your practice.

Silently repeat to yourself,

Practice steady and consistent helps quiet the mind.

Practice steady and consistent helps quiet the mind.

Continue observing the breath but allow yourself to soften your attachment to perfect focus.

If the mind drifts,

Gently acknowledge it and instead of controlling or correcting it,

Allow the thoughts to pass like clouds in the sky.

Repeat silently,

I release the need to control or force,

I observe and let go.

I release the need to control or force,

I observe and let go.

I release the need to control or force,

I observe and let go.

Sit in a space of awareness,

Free of judgement,

Watching thoughts and emotions pass without attachment to whether the mind is perfectly still or not.

As the meditation concludes,

Rest in the balance of effort and relief.

Feel how the practice has brought a sense of clarity while non-attachment allows you to remain open and accepting of whatever arises.

Take a few deep breaths and before you open your eyes,

Silently express gratitude for the practice.

Thank you for sharing this practice with me today.

Meet your Teacher

Cait ChickCape Town, South Africa

4.8 (76)

Recent Reviews

Valerie

December 11, 2025

Loved her soothing voice and gentle tone. This is lovely! Nameste!

Nicola

July 20, 2025

A beautiful guided meditation bringing me home to a peaceful place of calm curiosity of sensation and thought

Cate

March 18, 2025

Wonderful thank you for sharing this practice 🙏🏻

Mark

December 3, 2024

Spot-on guidance. Not too much; not a solo flight. Good at pulling one back into presence.

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© 2026 Cait Chick. 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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