We learn in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, that the practice of Yoga is single-pointed attention, and non-attachment. The goal of yoga is to be in the present moment, not lost in your thoughts, but completely embodied in the here and now. This is why single-pointed attention, and non-attachment to our thoughts, is the center of yoga.
When we are paying attention to something, and we are unattached to our thoughts, then we are fully here right now. It is only in the present moment that we can find peace and freedom, and fully experience life. If we aren’t present then we miss out on the beauty of life, we can’t connect with our loved, and we can’t truly be there for someone in need.Â
The problem is that we get lost in our thoughts and we can’t keep our attention stable, so we get disconnected from the present moment, and from our true nature. If we are always lost in thoughts then we experience suffering from being overloaded with stress, anxiety, depression, etc. and we feel drained of energy.
But when we decide to come back to the present moment and stabilize our attention, then the suffering starts to fade, we feel a huge weight lifted off of us, and our energy comes back to us. In the yogic science we see that it is only our thoughts that create our psychological and emotional suffering. So, by letting go of our thoughts, and coming back to the present, we can be free from our suffering.Â
So pick an object, any object, and keep your attention there. Let go of your thoughts, and just be here now in the present moment. Feel the release, and the power of the present moment. Notice what your nature is when you are in the present moment, this is what we call your True Self.
How to Practice:
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Find a comfortable seat and sit up straight
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Choose an object within your experience: body, breath, sensation, any object will do
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Keep the light of your attention on the object and let go of the passing thoughts. At first it is very challenging, but after a couple minutes it will get easier and easier to keep your attention single-pointed.
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Notice how when you are unattached to your thoughts, then there is just a peaceful silence with you.
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Feel this peaceful silence of the present moment. Notice how peaceful silence is your essential nature
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Stay here in the present moment for the remainder of the practice, and try to bring this with you into all aspect of your life
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