In yoga, I learned to always “return to neutral.” This means before moving into the next pose, on the other leg or other side for example, that you return to neutral, to center, to rest. This is in part for safety, to slow you down, keep you from speeding too fast into the next pose and possibly hurting yourself.

Neutral is also related to “mind the gap,” observing the space between thoughts and experience, the awareness that comes before the thought, before judgement–vast space. In shamatha meditation, we are taught to notice the moment between breaths–not breathing in or out, but rather the space of rest between. Neutral is the moment, the space that is unattached to hope or fear.

Neutral is unbiased, neither positive or negative, center, middle, moderate, unattached, not supporting or favoring, having no color, no judgement, no side, uncommitted, calm, detached, patient, indifferent, inert, relaxed, easy, unconcerned, undisturbed, gentle, inscrutable, satisfied, serene, still, unemotional, unmoved, untroubled, equitable, and impartial.

Neutral is not being triggered by events or caught up in emotions or distracted by thoughts. Neutral is peaceful abiding, calm awareness, the acceptance of reality, what is as it is. It is non-attachment, overcoming desire, letting go and letting be.

Neutral is a concept of meditation and mindfulness, “the sacred pause” that Tara Brach speaks of in this video, this guided meditation. “It gives us a chance to come home to our hearts again.”