March 2: On the Board at Good Life Yoga
Dharana – Mental Concentration
Dharana is one of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. These aren’t actually to be thought of as ‘limbs’ but rather as a wheel with 8 spokes all leading to its center. This center represents the end result of practicing yoga: enlightenment. Of course, enlightenment can mean a whole host of different things to different people – for Anusara yogis, enlightenment is any time we touch happiness and love born of remembering our true supreme nature.
In our practice this week we follow the path of Dharana, the 6th spoke. ‘Dharana’ is the practice of mental concentration. The object of concentration can be within or outside the body. In our asana practice we will concentrate on following our breath in each asana. We will also utilize a practice technique of following a Drishti – a focal point. Time and time again, we will practice either bringing steady focus to our breath or to the established Drishti. This concentrated effort leads us toward joy, peace and a remembrance of our radiant heart.