A Poem: Return And Release (YS 1.12)

This reflective poem is inspired by Yoga Sutra 1.12 — Abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyāṁ tan-nirodhaḥ, the teaching that the movements of the mind are steadied through practice and non-attachment.
Through the simple rhythm of returning and releasing, this poem explores what it means to keep showing up without forcing, to begin again without self-judgment, and to care deeply without clinging to the outcome.
It is an invitation to soften the pressure of perfection and remember that steadiness is built one return at a time.
Listen as a quiet reflection after meditation, Yoga Nidra, or whenever you need to reconnect with patience, trust, and inner balance.
Return with steadiness.
Release with trust.
Rest in awareness.
You’re also warmly invited to join the Living The Yoga Sutras group on Insight Timer for more teachings, Yoga Nidra practices, poetry, and reflections.

Transcript

This poem is inspired by Yoga Sutra 1. 12. I'll be outside. Vairagya Abhiyam Tan Nidodaha the teaching that the movements of the mind are steadied through practice and non-attachment. It is a reflection on the rhythm of the turning and releasing, Showing up with sincerity while loosening the need to control the outcome. May these words remind you. That steadiness is not perfection, But the willingness to begin again, Let go, And rest in awareness. This poem is called Return and Release. The mind moves like a restless flame. In winds of wanting, Fear and thought. It runs toward what it longs to hold, Then grieves the peace it never caught. So I return, Not once but still, To breath, To body, Ground, And sky. Each wandering is not the end, Each moment asks me to retry. Abhyasa is the quiet path. The step I take when I forget, Not harsh command, Not perfect form, But love that chooses to the turn yet. I return after the storm of thought. I return when old reactions rise. I return when memory speaks too loud. I return to what awareness sees. And then the open hand must learn the sacred art of letting go, Not coldness, Not a heart withdrawn, But trust in life's unfolding flow. Vaidhagya is the loosened grip. The breath that softens around desire. To care, Yet not be owned by care, To act, Yet not be dooled by fire. I release the need to be complete. I release the image I defend. I release the outcome I would bind and meet this moment as a friend. They turn and release the rhythm calls like waves that touch and leave the show. The heart grows steady not by force but by coming home once more. For practice without letting go can turn the path into control. And letting go without practice can leave untrained the wandering soul. So give me both, O Inner Light, The strength to walk, The grace to yield. A steady flame, An open palm, A quiet breath, A spacious field. Abhyasa Vairagyaapyam, By practice and the letting go. Tannidodaha, The mind grows still as restless winds begin to slow. And when I fall, I start again. When I cling, I learn release. Returning gently to the path. I find the mind remembering peace. Namaste.