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Mindfulness for Sensory Overload
When it seems impossible to escape this world of constant information consumption, pratyahara shows us that it is indeed within our power to find stillness.
Pratyahara means “withdrawal of the senses.” It is the fifth of the eight limbs of yoga, and one of the most misunderstood. Pratyahara is considered the bridge between the external and internal limbs of yoga. It teaches us how to move between these two worlds.
Through practicing pratyahara, one draws one’s senses inward, withdrawing from external information.
Do you find yourself constantly scrolling through social media? Or checking your emails throughout the day? How much time do you spend consuming television?
Do you notice how much of your attention goes to your external world?
Our current reality makes sensory overload a part of daily life. It is why meditation is often so difficult — we are so used to doing and not simply being. Living under constant sensory input makes it a challenge to quiet the mind.
Thus, overstimulating the senses can lead to overwhelming the mind. We are always thinking, analyzing, and interpreting what we see in the world. We can forget how to be still. With pratyahara, we can withdraw and give our senses a rest. And instead tune into our inner selves.
