antaḥ-prajñā, Inner knowing

One winter morning I had been walking in the Bloedel Reserve in Bainbridge Island, WA for an hour or so on a snow-covered path. I suddenly got the impulse to turn around and take a step back down the path, which I did. The moment I did that, a very large tree branch fell right behind me, so close that I felt the movement of air it created.

There have been many times when I have had this inner knowing. No words, just a sudden impulse to act or not. Usually, these prompts were not things I expected or planned, and more often than not, the outcome was beneficial. 

This week we are exploring the impulse that reveals itself before the mind attempts to describe it. When paying attention to this, one has to exercise discernment. Yoga philosophy reminds us that what arises from within may not necessarily be clear knowing. We carry deeply embedded patterns that shape how we perceive and respond to experience. In other words, some of these impulses arise from these patterns and may not be very beneficial.

I look forward to seeing you in class this week as we explore this inner knowing.

Breathe easy

Blessings

Jorge Nihāl