Yoga Pranidhana places emphasis on the surest way to enlightenment, Ishvara Pranidhana. When drishti is placed on the act of complete surrender, by nature any imbalances existing within any of the yoga sutras is brought to the surface in the form of resistance. By remaining in the present, working through that which surfaces allows us to let go of that which binds us and move forward in the desired direction.

By keeping the yamas, niyamas and bhakti (devotion) at the forefront, both on and off the mat, we are creating an environment within ourselves that yields the truest form of self. Authentic mindfulness in the now.

We are all bound by time and the only reality exists in the now. The focus of Yoga Pranidhana begins each day on waking and can help guide us through our environment and our interactions with others. This continues until day’s end until we lay our head down to rest and sleep while the biological processes carry us through the night until waking and ultimately beginning again.

When actively practicing Yoga Pranidhana, action is backed by purpose and intention.

The yoga sutras outline practices for working inward and cultivating this through external action. The yamas outline the five basic ethical living standards that yoga provides while the niyamas outline a set of practices intended to provide the channel for working inward.

Yamas
Ahimsa – non-harming
Satya – truthfulness
Asteya – non-stealing
Brahmacharya – moderating the senses
Aparigraha – non-possessiveness

Niyamas
Saucha – self purification
Santosha – contentment
Tapas – self discipline
Svadhyaya – self study
Ishvara Pranidhana – self surrender

When combined, yoga is practiced that seamlessly connects breath and movement. Rooted in a holistic nature, Yoga Pranidhana looks at the whole — the mind, body and heart — and moves with intention to integrate this into the complete experience of life. This recognizes that each individual exists as they are and encourages truth in the expression of self.

This path of compassion, by nature, allows us to become more aware of our avoidances and also our attachments. Through this recognition we are able to move through these binds into a lighter state of being. In turn, we are empowered as individuals to make better decisions and choices that affect ourselves, our families and our communities. Over time, the practice of Yoga Pranidhana awakens compassion, kindness and gratitude. The belief that we have the ability to improve our own lives and the lives of others, through action, releases selfish motives and moves the individual to a clear reality in the now.

While teaching Yoga Pranidhana it is imperative to maintain and hold space for an environment that is all-inclusive and is uplifting for all. The goal of the teacher is to empower and embolden students while providing a safe refuge for growth and exploration.

Everything that can be seen, heard or identified by the senses contributes to a welcoming embrace.

Yoga Pranidhana recognizes that at our core no single human is above or below another. We are all in this together at different individual points on each of our unique paths. It also reminds us that we are never truly alone. At all times we are being embraced by our Supreme Creator that chose to give each of us the breath of life.

Ultimately, Yoga Pranidhana is intended to bring us into the now, accompanied by compassion, love and gratitude. Although, Yoga Pranidhana provides a channel for this self exploration and growth, it is up to each individual to set their intention for the practice through dedication. It is through this intention that sets our drishti appropriately and leads us forward in our desired direction.

The practice of Yoga Pranidhana is very personal. It is important to remember to return to your intention, especially during times of difficulty and discomfort.

Collectively, this develops a mindset, and a community, that fosters creative self-expression allowing the true self to emerge. This becomes a way of life and affects the health of our personal relationships whether this be family, friends, those who challenge us, or, any human that we do not know.

Yoga Pranidhana clarifies distorted vision and approaches all aspects of the human condition with an open mind and willing heart. Through this flexibility we become stronger, more reasonable, find fortitude and are willing to stand up to injustice.

Yoga Pranidhana emphasizes devotion and in return each individual receives purpose.

Find balance.