amanda tripp
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • VIRTUAL YOGA STUDIO
  • Class Schedule
  • Workshops/Trainings Schedule
  • YOGA TUNE UP® CERTIFICATION
  • THE ROLL MODEL METHOD® TRAINING
  • YTU BREATH & BLISS IMMERSION

dharana: cultivate focus

10/6/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
     The 8-limbed path of yoga lays out a process for interiorizing your attention that eventually leads to a state of bliss. The process begins with the way you relate to the world (yama), then to yourself (niyama), body (asana), breath (pranayama), and inward focus of attention (pratyahara). All of this leads steadily towards deeper states of yoga, including states of Concentration (dharana), the 6th of 8 limbs of practice.

     In concentration, awareness harmoniously flows towards a single object of focus. If you practice the first 5 limbs, you have laid the groundwork that will allow you to focus. It will also prepare you for entering into states of meditation and bliss (the final 2 limbs).

     You might find yourself wondering what exactly you should direct your awareness towards? Just about anything: a mantra, your breath, bodily sensations, your heart, the pit of your throat, your navel, etc...one of my favourite recommendations from the Yoga Sutras is to focus on friendliness, compassion, delight, and equanimity (collectively known as the brahmaviharas) in order to become imbued with their energies.

Intention/Centering Thought: "My mind is quiet, focused and calm."

Breath/Meditation: Inhale and count to 8; exhale and count to 8

On the Mat: Practice some challenging balancing poses. It's hard to focus on anything other than the task of staying upright. (See the video below for a challenging standing balance pose practice)

Off the Mat: Cut down on multi-tasking. Practice pouring all of your focus and energy into just one thing at a time.


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    mindbalm is a blog filled with ideas that soothe and stimulate. I delve into the rich traditions of yoga philosophy and the latest insights from movement science to bring you content that nurtures your soul and challenges your mind. Whether you're seeking inner peace or looking to expand your understanding of the body-mind connection, mindbalm offers thoughtful articles, practical tips, and inspiring reflections to help you on your journey. 

    Archives

    March 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    September 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • VIRTUAL YOGA STUDIO
  • Class Schedule
  • Workshops/Trainings Schedule
  • YOGA TUNE UP® CERTIFICATION
  • THE ROLL MODEL METHOD® TRAINING
  • YTU BREATH & BLISS IMMERSION