Nirodha – suspension

«Yoga is the suspension of modifications of the mind» (Yoga-sūtra, 1.2).

The second episode of my new podcast “Yoga-sutras explained step by step” came out a few days ago. There I explain quite accurately what nirodha means. Yoga, I say in the podcast, is putting a hindrance to the progression of thoughts. However, nirodha is also a sort of suspension, in fact in astrology it is used to indicate a type of eclipse. In the eclipse the sun remains there, but is for a moment obscured by the Moon. It would seem a negative meaning, but instead the type of nirodha eclipse is an omen of happiness.

I am telling you about all this, Aries, because for the first few days of the month you will still experience a bit of frenzy, but then you will experience a sort of respite, a suspension. What should have started has started, what should have ended has ended and now you can relax at least mentally by observing what has been and what is. A moment of suspension and reflection that will do you good and that will make you feel its fruits at the end of the month, when you will find a breath of optimism, in which things finally seem to go smoothly.

PRACTICALLY

Bahir-kumbhaka, holding with empty lungs

When we talk about suspension, suspension of breath immediately comes to mind. Can you hold your lungs empty for 40 seconds? It seems to be the threshold for establishing that you do not tend to hyperventilation. Train this month, it will help you find calm.

Mindfulness exercise

Observe yourself in the breathing suspension exercise. At first it brings a bit of anguish, anxiety, but slowly it turns into relaxation.

Mantra of the month

«I suspend my thoughts».