When prana is spread evenly throughout the body, equanimity and compassion arise and fluctuations of the mind cease. Thus moving us closer to our source of enlightenment and spiritual connection to all that is. It is a connection to our higher selves, to every being on the planet, and ultimately the divine energy that creates everything in the universe.

Concentration (dharana), meditation, and true presence brings the realization that we are pure awareness are pure consciousness. Then the state of dhyana results in a detachment of the mind from worldly bindings and a deeper understanding of the object of meditation. Eventually the yogi does not see meditation as a practice anymore because they are so fully immersed in the meditative act that they can no longer separate the self from all that is.

“We are taught to believe that the ‘alienation’ that we experience sometimes, when we withdraw from everything or feel alone, is a craving for something sexual, material, or in the physical - and can be cured by popping a pill in most cases. When in Truth, it’s the circuitry within our souls and minds that is hinting to be connected - to real flowing energy - outside of our TVs and computer monitors. What many of us mistaken for depression is actually a need to be understood, or to see desires come to fruition. There is absolutely nothing abnormal about feeling disconnected. Your sensitivity only means you are more human than most. If you cry, you are alive. I’d be more worried if you didn’t.” ― Suzy Kassem, Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem