We have all heard that yoga is beyond asanas or physical postures. But how do we actually go deeper in yoga?
When do we know that it is time to move to the next level of practice?
Is it when the pain in forward folds disappears? Is it when the body starts defying gravity and we can do handstands? Or is it when we finally stop thinking about shavasana during our practice?
These may feel like signs of progress, but true progress in yoga goes much deeper than physical achievements. There is no universal rule for moving forward. You can practice asanas, pranayama, and meditation together from the start, but real progress is felt only when you begin to observe.
Once again, it all comes down to AWARENESS!
The Role of Awareness in Yoga
Our mind is designed to be highly alert in new situations. When we go to a new place or meet new people, the mind notices small details and forms impressions. Like noticing small landmarks of a new area or making judgments through preconceived notions about someone we just met.
But as familiarity increases, attention naturally decreases.
As babies, we observe everything. This is why many of our core personality traits are linked to childhood. Over time, as we grow older, we observe less and absorb more unconsciously.
In today’s world of technology and social media, we constantly consume information through our senses. However, we rarely take time to truly process what we are experiencing.
Yoga practices are different from other physical activities because they naturally increase observation and awareness. Yoga begins with self-awareness. At the highest level, it is said that yoga leads to awareness of everything in the universe.
So, progress in yoga is directly proportional to how aware we are of ourselves and our surroundings.
How to Cultivate Deeper Awareness?
Regular and consistent practice of yoga asanas and pranayama automatically increases awareness. But there are also simple ways to consciously deepen this awareness.
Practice Pratyahara: Withdrawing the Senses
One powerful method is to consciously cut off from the outside world for a few minutes every day and gradually increase this time.
In the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, this is described as the fifth limb of yoga, that is, Pratyahara, or withdrawal of the senses.
Through our five sense organs – the eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin, we receive information from the external world. We then process this information and make decisions based on it. In modern life, our senses are constantly overstimulated.
To balance this, yogic practices such as Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) and Shanmukhi Mudra (six faced gesture) are very helpful.
The simplest way to begin is by physically isolating yourself for a short time. Close your eyes and sit quietly for a few minutes. Gradually increase the time through regular practice. Even this small act can be a powerful start.
However when the eyes are closed, the mind becomes more aware of other senses like the sounds, smells, touch, and the general atmosphere around you. Slowly, thoughts of the past or future, memories, and imagination arise. The mind wants to engage in something. It resists and protests stillness and isolation.
With consistent practice, you start becoming aware of these mental patterns.
Awareness in Daily Life
As awareness deepens, you begin to notice patterns not only on the mat, but also in daily life, in your surroundings, in events, in other people’s behaviour, and in your own reactions.
You start to see what triggers you.
You start to recognize what brings you peace.
This is one of the most important signs of real yogic progress. Now this method is to increase awareness naturally from within.
Cultivating Awareness Through Gratitude and Connection
Another simple yet a life changing method is to cultivate awareness externally through gratitude and conscious connection.
You can start by talking to yourself, even if it feels unusual at first. Give your consciousness a voice. Talk to your body and your organs. Ask them how they are feeling. Ask if they need rest. Thank them for everything they do for you. Acknowledge their presence and their effort.
Extend this awareness to your surroundings. Acknowledge the objects you use every day. Recognize their presence and their usefulness.
Talk to the earth, the sky, the stars, the rivers, the oceans, the trees, the mountains, and even animals.
Over time, this practice naturally creates a feeling of connection with your environment, with nature, and with life itself. This is how you align with the universe and connect with the frequency of existence.
This is, in a true sense, progressing as an individual and going beyond the physical practice of yoga.
Wonderful ✨