When the Past Speaks Through the Process

“You are not the pain. You are the one who can witness it.” ~ Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Today marks the final reflection on our theme Living Your Practice. As I write, I know this theme will stay with me well beyond the month. The reality check I shared last week reminded me that this healing journey must unfold slowly and with intention.

As I continue to explore living my yoga mentally, emotionally, and physically, I find myself reflecting on the yogic concept of samskaras. These are mental impressions and subtle imprints left behind by our thoughts, actions, and intentions. They shape how we move through the world, influence our desires, and often shed light on our repetitive patterns. In yogic philosophy, samskaras are considered the blueprint of the mind, guiding our experiences behind the scenes. 

After my safe face plant, mentioned in last week’s writing, I cleared the energy, and a moment of clarity led me to reintroduce props for more support. My daily practice kept going, but I started to feel hesitant. Even though I could safely place weight on my foot, something had shifted. I was still excited to practice, but a quiet fear surfaced that kept me from fully feeling the asanas in my body. 

I started to feel different sensations in the part of my foot that had been broken. Breathing deeply and engaging the muscles that were rebuilding became increasingly difficult. I noticed I was rushing through some poses and lingering longer on my stronger side. My practice began to feel unfulfilling and disconnected. While I understood the need to be cautious, it didn’t fully explain the familiar sense of disconnection. 

What was coming up were samskaras.

Not just from the break itself, but from every time my body had struggled to move freely. The illnesses, the recovery after c-sections with my sons, the tension and pain from overwork. All of it surfaced. It was an invitation to dig deeper and release what was still being held. 

Samskaras are dissolved through a process of cleaning. This happens as we deepen our faith and stay committed to the practice with courage and dedication. The more we show up, the more our courage grows, and fear begins to diminish. 

So what does this look like?

Cultivating the inner strength to stay with the challenge. Trusting that we’re facing it for a reason. Pressing the edge, and being courageous enough to face failure no matter how often we arrive there, and keep going. Tuning into an inner mental, emotional, and physical strength we never knew existed. Going into the breath and breathing into, not just through, the intensity. Learning from it. Releasing it. 

There are good, bad, and neutral samskaras. Good samskaras are the impressions built from experiences we see as positive or uplifting. Bad samskaras come from pain, fear, trauma, or unreleased struggle. Neutral samskaras are impressions that don’t carry a strong emotional charge but still shape how we respond to life. Over time, even neutral impressions can influence our choices without us realizing it. 

We can slow down and reflect.
We can take an honest look at what we want from life and decide we are ready for something different, no matter what our starting point is.
We can begin with the imprint that holds us back and choose to create something new.

A samskara not only reflects who we were, but also who we are becoming. A version of ourselves that we feel deeply connected to.

It is a process, but it is a choice.

May this day find you stepping into your power and clearing the way for a happier, healthier life.

With love and gratitude,
Dana Andrea