Integration of the Yoga Sūtras In the Practice of Stillness

In the Yoga Sūtras, Patañjali writes,“Yogaḥ Citta-Vṛtti Nirodhaḥ,” translated as, “Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.” Though written more than 2,000 years ago, this idea remains profoundly relevant to how we understand mental health and healing today.

At its core, this sutra describes a process of inner regulation, learning to notice the movements of the mind without being carried away by them. In Sanskrit, citta refers to the field of the mind (thoughts, emotions, memories), vṛtti to its constant movements, and nirodhaḥ to stilling or regulating those movements (Bryant, 2009).

In life, those fluctuations might look like racing thoughts, emotional reactivity, or the persistent self-deprecating internal dialogue. The sutra doesn’t suggest we silence these experiences, but that we relate to them differently; with steadiness, awareness, and curiosity.

Mindfulness, Therapy, and the Regulation of the Mind

Modern psychology echoes this wisdom. Mindfulness-based interventions such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teach to observe their inner experiences without judgment, cultivating a stable awareness that supports emotional balance (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).

Similarly, many forms of psychotherapy, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), guide the development to what researchers call metacognitive awareness: the ability to notice thoughts and feelings as events in the mind rather than absolute truths (Hayes et al., 2011). When one learns to pause, observe, and breathe before reacting, the fluctuations of the mind begin to settle.

Neuroscience supports this, showing that mindfulness practice enhances prefrontal regulation of emotion and reduces stress-related activation in the amygdala, the brain’s alarm system (Davidson & McEwen, 2012). In this way, Patañjali’s teaching can be viewed not as a spiritual abstraction but as an early observation of self-regulation. What contemporary psychology now recognizes as essential for mental health (Siegel, 2012).

The Role of Relationship in Finding Stillness

From both a yogic and psychological lens, healing is less about control and more about awareness. The steadier we become, the more clearly one may see themself and the more freedom there is to choose a responses.

Integrating Ancient Insight with Modern Care

Understanding this intersection of yoga and psychology reframes healing as a practice rather than a quick fix. Emotional turbulence, intrusive thoughts, or anxiety are not signs of failure; they are simply the vṛttis, the waves of the mind doing what minds do. Therapy and contemplative practice both offer ways to meet those waves with steadiness instead of resistance.

When the mind settles, even briefly, there is an enhanced ability to gain access to a deeper awareness that isn’t defined by distress. From there, growth, compassion, and clarity become possible.

References

Bryant, E. F. (2009). The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali: A new edition, translation, and commentary. North Point Press.

Davidson, R. J., & McEwen, B. S. (2012). Social influences on neuroplasticity: Stress and interventions to promote well-being. Nature Neuroscience, 15(5), 689–695. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3093

Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2011). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Delta.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.

Siegel, D. J. (2012). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.