Pratyahara is the process of directing the senses inward to become aware of the subtle elements of sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.

Pratyahara means defining a space where you are less distracted, allowing you to bring awareness to the quieter realms of your consciousness.

You can awaken these tanmatras – the forces that cause everything physical – by having someone read these descriptions to you after yoga while you close your eyes and consciously activate the sensory impression of sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.

By going inside yourself during meditation, you can access these impulses and experience the world as a projection of your awareness. Great yogis say, “I am not in the world; the world is in me.”

For your home practice, choose sensations of sounds, sights, tastes and smells that inspire you. Bring to mind images that enhance your vitality and enthusiasm.

Sound Imagine the ringing of a church bell, the buzzing of a mosquito, the roar of the ocean waves crashing on the shore.

Touch Imagine the feel of a cashmere sweater, the softness of a baby’s skin, the rain falling on your face.

Sight Imagine a sunset over a calm sea, a fireworks display, the faces of your parents.

Taste Imagine biting into a fresh strawberry, a spoonful of rich chocolate, a spicy jalapeno pepper.

Smell Imagine the smell after a spring rain, the fragrance from blooming lilies, the aroma of a bakery.

Take a moment to meditate using these sensory immersion techniques. Commit to taking time on a daily basis to close your eyes and settle into a more expanded state of awareness. [via]