The first act of Yoga is a very simple gesture. And it’s profound. Each time we perform this act it it is a reaffirmation, a renewed journey, a returning home.

The act is simply to close your eyes. Find stillness in a comfortable seated posture, and softly close your eyes. This is the turning point from outward to inward, from externalized busyness to internal awareness.

Gaze into the darkness behind your closed eyes. Yoga calls this Chit Akasha, the Inner Universe, of awareness. Give this your fullest attention.

Notice, too, your whole body. Feel your whole body, from its deepest center to all its outer edges. Still gazing into Chit Akasha.

Do you feel any softness, any stillness, any peace? Allow them. Allow softness. Allow stillness. Allow peace.

The First Step Into Yoga is to close your eyes.