In this episode, we explore Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha, the second sutra of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and what it means to quiet the fluctuations of the mind. We explore how thoughts aren’t who we are but rather the byproduct of unresolved emotions—and how awareness is the doorway to freedom. Through personal stories, reflection, and a guided meditation, we look at the ways we can step outside the constant mental chatter and into something deeper: presence.
This isn’t about controlling the mind or forcing stillness but about recognizing the space that already exists between thoughts. Whether you’re new to yoga philosophy or simply looking for ways to bring more awareness into daily life, this episode offers practical tools to cultivate more clarity, peace, and connection.
(00:00) Introduction and topic overview – Welcoming listeners, introducing the focus on Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha, and why this sutra is central to understanding the mind.
(00:48) What Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha really means – Breaking down the direct translation, exploring why it’s more about observing thoughts rather than controlling them.
(03:04) The role of awareness in quieting the mind – How awareness allows us to notice mental fluctuations, the connection between self-talk and presence.
(06:33) Why we struggle with being present – How daily distractions and automatic habits keep us from noticing our thoughts, and the importance of mindfulness in modern life.
(10:03) A personal story about discovering the Yoga Sutras – Pernilla shares the moment she first read Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha and how it shifted her understanding of the mind.
(12:26) The connection between thoughts and unresolved emotions – How unprocessed emotions fuel mental chatter, and why recognizing this can be a game changer.
(15:02) A simple awareness exercise – A quick practice for shifting attention from the mind to the body, starting with the feet.
(16:37) Guided body scan meditation – Moving through the body from head to toe, bringing awareness into different areas to cultivate presence.
(25:37) How thoughts trigger our nervous system – Discussing how a single thought can change our emotional state and what we can do to shift that pattern.
(32:03) The balance between ego and awareness – Exploring why we need the ego to function in daily life while also cultivating spaciousness beyond thought.
(35:05) Bringing spirituality into daily life – How to integrate awareness practices while navigating relationships, responsibilities, and everyday stressors.
(38:48) How to create distance from mental chatter – Learning to see thoughts as passing clouds rather than identifying with them, inspired by teachings from Letting Go by David Hawkins.
(41:08) Practical tools for cultivating awareness – Meditation, mindful walking, self-reflection, and breathwork as ways to become more present.
(42:14) Becoming the observer of your thoughts – The importance of witnessing thoughts without judgment and recognizing the space between them.
(43:34) Closing thoughts and listener questions – Reflecting on the discussion, encouraging listeners to share their experiences, and inviting them to reach out with topic requests.