This week we come to the end of our exploration of the Niyamas with the fifth one, Isvara Pranidhana or Surrender/Devotion to a Higher Power.
Isvara Pranidhana translates from Sanskrit as Isvara, Supreme Being and Pranidhana, surrender or devote. The sutra then can be translated as surrendering to a higher power. Yoga does not force God or religion, this higher power can be individually defined: God, Brahman or True Self are just possibilities. Desikachar, one of the founding fathers of modern yoga tells us, “Yoga is not a religion and should not affiliate with any religions”. For me, there has never been a conflict between my yoga practice and my religion. I find that the contemplation, awareness, and peace that yoga brings me only enhances my religious beliefs.
Instead of surrendering when all other efforts are to no avail, a last-ditch effort when we are confronting challenges, Ishvara Pranidhana suggests that we initiate a sacred shift of perspective that helps us to remember, align with, and receive the grace of being alive. As we approach our practice in our own way, practicing this surrender to a higher power can help us connect with ourselves and the world around us on a deeper level. Recognizing that there is something bigger than ourselves begins to develop and deepen our practice and our overall wellbeing. One only needs to view a beautiful sunset, full moon, and light sparkling on the ocean to understand that we are not the center of the universe and there must be a higher power.
As we enter new or difficult situations, we can approach them with surrender. This does not mean we do not do our best or prepare adequately but knowing that we have done our best work to “get there”, we can then let go and surrender to the outcome rather than perseverate or anticipate outcomes.
Throughout my life I have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to control the outcome of situations over which I have no control. When someone is sick, the plane is cancelled or a hurricane is on its way, recognizing that we do not have the power to control what will happen can be freeing as well as save us from needless perseveration. I am embarrassed to admit that when my husband was diagnosed with an illness many years ago, he practiced surrender, understanding that he could not control the unknown. During those first weeks before we knew how the problem would be tackled, he was assuring and comforting me as I stressed over something I had no control over! When similar situations have arisen in recent years, I have tried to use my yogic tools, and have increased my ability to compartmentalize, to appreciate the present and to accept that I cannot control the unknown. It helps. Over the past several days, I refused to surrender to a stomach bug, insisting that I was fine. When I finally decided to listen to my body, rested, hydrated and accepted that I could not do anything other than nurture myself, I was able to be at peace with the situation and started to heal. As with all of our practice, it is a work in process.
As we embark on our practice of Ishvara Pranidhana, it will be challenging- most of us try very hard to control our destiny. We can try to establish this practice by embracing the present, be in the moment, stop, take deep breaths, appreciating our surroundings. In our day-to-day interactions, perhaps try to let go of some fixed or rigid constraints or habits that are limiting, let go of expected outcomes and accept how things unfold. In your yoga practice, listen to what your body tells you. If you arrive at Vinyasa class and halfway through you know your body needs to rest, do not let ego take over, take savasana, limit your movements, nurture yourself. If we continue to push past our edge instead of leaning into it, our yoga practice is no longer healthy and is not sustainable. Knowing when we need to rest or pull back is understanding ourselves and respecting our bodies. It will allow our practice to serve us for our lifetime.
I enjoyed this recent article about one woman’s experience in India and how it related to her practice of Isvara Pranidhana
Meditating on Isvara Pranidhana
Whether it be God, Mohammed, Brahma, Chebbenithan or Your Cosmic Self, surrendering to what we cannot control is an important part of living our best life.
“Surrender happens spontaneously with the knowledge that you are not in control of anything – not even your thoughts or feelings. When you realize that you are not in control of your life, but life is governed by some supreme law, then surrender happens.”
“We think surrender is a sign of weakness when in fact it is a sign of strength. Surrender comes with knowledge, with realization and with gratefulness.” – Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar
“And the day came when the risk to remain in a tight bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin
Our Practice – Tadasana Mountain Pose
We can can practice mountain pose while surrendering to a higher power, focusing on humility and devotion, rather than striving for perfection. Mountain pose encourages grounding and stability, allowing us to connect with a sense of inner peace and surrender. This posture helps promote stillness, strength, relaxed power and stability that we associate with mountains.
To Practice:
Stand with the feel parallel, about hips width apart, or slightly less if it feels better.
Lift and spread your toes and the balls of your feet, then place them softly back down on the floor. Move your body side to side and back and forth finding your center. Slow your movement coming to a standstill with your weight evenly balanced.
Stand tall, ankles, knees, hips stacked. Spine is long, chin is not jutting forward, core is engaged. Allow your shoulder blades to draw toward each other and down the back, away from the ears.
Let your arms relax beside your torso, palms facing where they naturally fall.
Balance the crown of your head directly over the center of your neutral pelvis with the underside of your chin parallel to the floor.
Variation of the pose is to bring your hands to prayer
Nurturing with Food – Roasted Curried Carrot Hummus
I discovered this recipe in my recipe file and had never made it. As I made it, I realized I must have cut it out because it was very healthy and, frankly, not that great. It was a great basis but lacked the vibrant flavors that I had hoped for. I made a few changes and additions and am much happier with this still healthy and also delicious version! There was none left after my recent book club meeting!
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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