Patanjali's foundational definition of Yoga as the cessation of mental fluctuations, directly addressing the hypervigilance and racing thoughts of PTSD.
The very first sutra defines Yoga as "Yogash chitta vritti nirodhah"—the stilling of the mind's fluctuations. For trauma survivors, the mind becomes a storm of fragmented thoughts, flashbacks, and hypervigilant scanning. PTSD locks consciousness in constant alert mode, unable to settle. Patanjali's teaching reveals that this unsettled state is not the trauma itself but the mind's reaction to it. By systematically reducing mental fluctuations through pranayama, meditation, and sensory withdrawal, practitioners create internal stillness where healing can occur. This is not about forcing peace but rather removing the obstacles to natural calm. When the mind's waves subside, like sediment settling in water, clarity emerges. Trauma survivors discover that beneath the turbulence lies an unchanging witness consciousness—the part of them that was never actually harmed, providing profound reassurance and grounding.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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