Surrender

The last of the Niyamas is Ishvara pranidhana – surrendering (pranidhana) to a higher source (Ishvara). Whether you believe in God, the Universe or something else, the fact is that there is a power in the universe that allows flowers to grow, waves to ebb and flow and keeps our breath flowing. Believing and surrendering to this higher power means that we are not in charge. There is something bigger than us that is in control, which means that we can let go.

The idea of surrendering might feel like giving up control and in some cases it does mean that, but in the bigger picture it is the opportunity to receive and be less restricted or structured allowing for what is going to happen to just happen.

In our yoga practice, letting go or surrendering might mean listening to your body and resting when you need to, but it also might mean surrendering to a pose, holding it even if it is challenging.

In our daily life, this might look like letting go of expectations for ourselves. Allowing our lives to be a little less than perfect, saying no to an invite because you just don’t want to. Listening to ourselves, being true and letting go of what we think we “should” be doing.

The study of the first two limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas are guides or tenants to live our lives, Ishvara pranidhana comes at the end, because it encapsulates all the Yamas and Niyamas and allows us to look beyond ourselves and find the true Self. This article from Yoga Journal dives deeper into the study, but in the end states “Ishvara pranidhana provides a pathway through the obstacles of our ego toward our divine nature—grace, peace, unconditional love, clarity, and freedom.”