Mysore style yoga trains you to put the psychic Self in front.

Sri Aurobindo speaks of clear communication from the higher Self free from the chitchat of mundane conscious activity. He called this ‘putting the psychic in front’. It relies upon an active habit of dissociating from inner chatter so that the stream of awareness and messages is uninterrupted.

This might sound strange and mystical, but it doesn’t have to be. Most people can recall many experiences of having an epiphany and seeming to “get it” suddenly, having a break-through or realisation. In an instant, we experience greater knowing and an accompanying feeling of awe. What was confusing suddenly makes sense, and the previous state of uncertainty is gone. This can occur much more frequently than usual.

Mysore style classes are the key. In this environment students learn to hear the voice of the silence, as well as generate their own micro-doses of excitement by consistently moving in a way that is positive and imbued with earnest sentiment. This is all automatic, all you have to do is show up and practice regularly under the helpful eye of a teacher, who is waiting for an invitation to teach you about yoga.

All of this occurs in a shared space where you are adding to an energy of mutual support. These actions are radiantly positive, and we become better versions of ourselves: You could have stayed in bed. You could have done a practice at home without any scrutiny. You could have gone to a led class where the task of motivation is outsourced to an instructor. But you chose this.

Every time you attend Mysore style class, your sense of autonomy and bearing is bolstered. You have multiple new dawns – realisations of just how much control you have of your mind, energy levels, emotions, responses and actions. You re-identify yourself as the author of every moment and are entirely capable of creating positive effects. You are empowered and it keeps getting easier and more automatic over time.

From the upcoming book: The Spirit of the Matter – Mysore style yoga and the metaphysics of Yoga Taravali.