Just close your eyes - one of my favourite parts of yoga
At the start of every class, I invite my students to settle into the present moment and, if they feel comfortable, close their eyes. With this simple action, they are already practicing yoga. This is Pratyahara—one of the eight limbs of yoga, as outlined in Patanjali’s Sutras over 2,000 years ago.
Pratyahara is the practice of withdrawing our senses from the external world so we can reconnect with our true selves, rather than the version shaped by outside influences.
The Power of Closing Your Eyes
For some, closing their eyes in a room full of people can feel vulnerable. It might bring up past traumas or simply feel uncomfortable. That’s why I always say, “If you feel comfortable.” Instead, I encourage those who prefer not to close their eyes to soften their gaze—lowering their eyelids slightly and relaxing their focus. This allows them to turn inward without feeling exposed.
When we engage with the world without mindfulness, it can be overwhelming. The constant stream of external input can make us feel judged, inadequate, or disconnected from ourselves. Our thoughts race, comparing, analysing, and reacting. Yoga aims to quiet this mental noise.
By simply closing our eyes, we take the first step toward stillness. As we shift our focus to the breath (pranayama) and movement (asana), the mental chatter fades. Before we know it, we’ve spent an entire hour not thinking about the outside world at all. What a relief!
3 Simple Ways to Practice Pratyahara in Daily Life
Take a break from social media – Even just an hour away from scrolling can be transformative. Social media pulls us into a world curated by algorithms, dictating what we see and think about. Since stepping away from social media two weeks ago, I’ve noticed I have more time, less mental clutter, and fewer thoughts about things beyond my control. Instead, I can focus on what truly matters to the real me —writing, preparing for classes & retreats, and simply relaxing!
Go on a retreat – While a retreat engages the senses in new ways, it also provides a break from daily routines, stress, and distractions. Immersing yourself in a different environment allows you to be fully present, creating a sense of calm and clarity that’s hard to find in everyday life.
Spend time in nature – Nature effortlessly draws us into the present moment. Whether it’s walking in the bush, sitting by the ocean, or lying under a tree, time spent in nature soothes the nervous system. Instead of being bombarded by notifications or external expectations, we can simply listen to the sounds around us, feel the warmth of the sun, or watch the trees sway in the breeze.
An Invitation to Step Away from the Noise
Pratyahara is a gentle yet powerful way to reset, quiet the noise of the world, and reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s closing your eyes in yoga, stepping away from social media, or immersing yourself in nature, small moments of withdrawal can create space for peace and clarity.
If you’re longing for a deeper experience of stillness and self-care, I invite you to join me for my Loving Kindness Retreat (coming in October 2025)—a beautiful opportunity to step away from daily demands and immerse yourself in rest, renewal, and connection. Find out more and reserve your spot by sending me an email at emma@emmapolette.com
