Almost all of the classes I teach begin with a sequence of SATYA movements. SATYA is a system developed by Tias Little of Prajna Yoga comprised of slow, deeply felt movements which attune our mind to our body. As we lie on our back and gently undulate our spine, we notice the shifting pressure on our shoulders and pelvis, we feel expansion and contraction as we breathe, and we tune in to the small movements that link together to make the bigger ones. When we do this, our mind clears somewhat and becomes more settled in the present moment. This state can be described as one of profound presence and awareness. We become non-judgmental observers of our thoughts, emotions and sensations.

Over time, as we practice, our ability to sense these subtle internal conditions grows in both depth and duration. So even after a full day of work and play, long after our morning practice, we remain attuned to what’s happening inside. For myself, I may feel a charge in my psoas muscles and a flush of adrenaline when someone runs a red light in front of me, or maybe I feel my pectorals muscles soften when my daughter tells me a joke in the evening. This attunement serves me well by connecting the dots between experiences, sensations, and emotions which I can then process and release. From there I learn to let go of what doesn’t serve me well and I more easily reconnect to a state of ease.

Curious? Join me on the mat of a class in-person or on Zoom. If you prefer, take a look at this long-ish practice on YouTube (you can skip to about minute 7:40 if you just want to jump in on the SATYA work) I trust that this practice will benefit you in the way that best serves you.