Energy grows where energy flows. The Drishti challenges us to ask our selves, "What's the focus here?" On our mats we look to the Drishti as a way to create and maintain balance, internal steadiness and stability. We call on the Drishti to help us focus inward and find stillness during meditation. Through this technique we also find proper alignment in our asana practice in poses like tree to maintain balance, toward the lifted hand in reverse warrior and beyond the shoulder in spinal twists. How can the Dristhi help in our everyday existence?
In a yoga practice we find the Drishti by setting the eyes on an unmoving point. We connect to the fifth limb, Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) and Dharana (one pointed attention). If we can apply this same practice to how we move throughout our day to day we can offer full awareness and 100 percent effort to all that we do. Focusing in on a Drishti trains the body to follow the mind with intention, strengthens our ability to connect and is also a great exercise for improving vision.
Using the Drishti is a great tool to transcend the body and it's senses. We are able to travel inward, connect to the breath and move beyond physical and mental limitation.
Three ways to focus your Drishti:
1. Notice your thoughts, focus on connecting to productive thinking and allow self defeating thought to pass as it arises. Plant the seed of positivity in your life and nurture it with care.
2. During your wait in line for coffee, at the metro or waiting for that last kernel of popcorn to pop, shift your focus to your connection to the earth. How are you rooting down? What is your posture saying? Are you exercising patience? Are you fully connected to your surroundings? Can you stand tall no matter where you are or what you are doing?
3. When people speak to you are you actually listening? Take a moment to focus in on what a person is actually saying. Tune in with intention. Show your care by giving your undivided attention to what they are expressing to you.
What are some other ways you find focus in your everyday life?
Yours in wellness,
Sihnuu