Every moment of every day, even when we are fast asleep, we are taking things in. We take the food we eat and the water we drink into our digestive systems, where our bodies break it down and distribute the nutrients to our cells while sending the waste products towards removal. A similar process happens with each breath. We take a breath into our lungs, where the oxygen is passed into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide is moved towards removal. You’re probably familiar with these processes. What you may be less aware of is that similar processes happen to the information we take in through our senses.

Much as we take in food, water, and oxygen, we also take in sights, sounds, and other sensory information as well as subtle energies and impressions from our environment. Our senses “feed” our minds and spirits, much like food feeds our bodies. If we are to truly cleanse, we must bring attention to what we feed our minds and spirits. Consider these things:

Minimize electronics use – I know, I know. Modern life requires the use of electronics, and most of us simply cannot completely “unplug” for an extended amount of time. The question to ask is, “When can I unplug?”

Can you turn off all electronics two hours before bedtime? Four hours? Sometime after noon?
Can you limit yourself to checking emails and other necessary electronic communication to certain times of the day, perhaps allow yourself to check once in the morning and once in the evening?
When you are waiting, or bored, do you fill the time scrolling social media, playing online games, or engaging in other online activities? Is there something mindful you could do instead like practicing equal-ratio breathing or nothing at all – simply being present wherever you are?
Is your entertainment and/or relaxation time dependent on electronics? Can you replace television or watching movies with a good book?
What are you feeding your mind and spirit in your entertainment? Who doesn’t love a good action movie now and then. Yet are the sights, sounds, and feelings you experience while watching the hero narrowly escape from another burning building, alien, or car chase feeding you stressful or nourishing information? This isn’t to say you shouldn’t enjoy an action movie or a thrilling novel. Be mindful that you are feeding your mind and body nourishing content as well: something educational, inspirational, or uplifting.
How much time do you spend in nature? Spending time in nature feeds our senses with deeply nourishing content. It brings us home, into our bodies, and reminds us that we are part of the natural world.

Dharana, the yogic practice of sensory withdrawal, trains the mind and gives us a break from processing the external stimuli. It encourages us to focus our attention inward and observe only the inner sensations of the mind. Mindfully choosing what we feed our senses is one way to practice Dharana. Choosing a specific focus for our attention is another. You do this when you meditate on an image or on your daily mantra.

This Sensory Awareness practice is a gentle movement practice that guides your focus towards the senses. The at-ease, organic movements nourish the body, and the focus on sensation is deeply relaxing. Enjoy!

Practices