Yoga Sutra 1.2: Nirodah and the Art of Quieting the Mind
Yoga Sutra 1.2 is one of the most essential teachings in the entire yogic tradition: “Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ.” In simple terms, yoga is the practice of quieting the fluctuations of the mind.
This sutra gets right to the heart of what yoga truly is. Not the poses, not the aesthetics, not the performance—but the inner stillness that arises when the mind stops pulling us in a thousand directions. Nirodah is the softening of mental noise, the settling of emotional turbulence, and the return to a state of clarity and contentment.
Of course, the mind doesn’t quiet itself on command. That’s why we practice.
How Yoga Asana Supports Nirodah
Asana is one of the most accessible pathways into mental stillness. When we move with intention:
The breath deepens
The nervous system shifts toward calm
The body releases tension
The mind becomes anchored in sensation
This anchoring is what makes nirodah possible. Even a simple sequence—cat‑cow, forward folds, gentle twists, grounding postures—can create enough internal spaciousness for the mind to settle.
In my one‑on‑one sessions and group classes at Twist of Fate Yoga and Tarot, I guide students through practices designed to support this inner quiet. We use movement as a doorway into presence, helping you experience the stillness that Sutra 1.2 points toward.
How Tarot Helps Quiet the Citta
Tarot might seem like an unexpected companion to the Yoga Sutras, but it aligns beautifully with the practice of nirodah. When used intentionally, tarot becomes a tool for:
Clarifying swirling thoughts
Understanding emotional patterns
Creating space between reaction and response
Seeing your inner landscape with honesty and compassion
A single card can illuminate what’s beneath the surface, helping the mind release its grip on confusion or overwhelm. That clarity naturally quiets the citta—the mental chatter that keeps us stuck.
I offer one‑on‑one tarot teachings, personalized coaching, and self‑paced online courses for anyone wanting to explore tarot as a tool for mindfulness and self‑inquiry.
Bringing the Practices Together
When yoga asana and tarot are woven together, they create a powerful pathway toward nirodah:
Movement grounds the body
Breath steadies the mind
Tarot clarifies the inner world
Stillness becomes accessible
This is the essence of yoga: not performing poses, but cultivating presence.
At Twist of Fate Yoga and Tarot, I offer:
One‑on‑one yoga sessions
Group classes for events and corporate wellness
Tarot readings and personalized teachings
Self‑paced tarot courses for beginners and beyond
All designed to help you quiet the mind, reconnect with yourself, and experience the deep contentment that Sutra 1.2 invites us into.