The 8 Limbs of Yoga: 5. Pratyahara: Turning the Senses Inward

Pratyahara is often the limb that gets the least attention because it’s hard to describe—it’s the moment we begin to turn inward, withdrawing from external stimulation so we can hear ourselves more clearly.

In a modern world full of noise, notifications, and nonstop input, Pratyahara feels less like a spiritual ideal and more like a necessity. It’s the intentional pause between reacting and responding. It’s the quieting of the senses so the mind can settle. And it’s a reminder that spaciousness is not a luxury; it’s a practice that makes the deeper limbs possible.