The practice of consciously withdrawing and redirecting sensory input—crucial for ADHD individuals managing sensory overwhelm and overstimulation.
Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga, is the deliberate withdrawal of the senses from external objects and mental preoccupations. For those with ADHD, sensory input often feels unfiltered and overwhelming: every sound, movement, and visual competes for attention simultaneously. Pratyahara offers a systematic approach to regulating this overwhelm. By consciously choosing which sensations to attend to and which to release, you develop mastery over your sensory environment rather than remaining enslaved by it. Practices like closing the eyes, focusing on breath, or deliberately tuning out background noise are pratyahara in action. This is not about dissociation or avoidance, but intelligent selection—taking your attention back from the chaos of the external world and anchoring it in your own inner experience. For ADHD, this is foundational to creating calm.
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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