4 min read
The sixth limb on the 8 Limbs of Yoga as set out by Patanjali is Dharana which is focusing the attention of the mind and consciousness on one point for the exclusion of everything else.
Dharana comes from the word dhri meaning to hold firm. Patanjali refers to Dharana of ‘one-pointed’ continuous flow of consciousness inwards to either an inward or an external object. The internal objects can refer to points within the body, and the external object is an idea or image that the mind’s attention is calmly focused on from within.
What is the attention? It is the focusing of awareness upon a single object or idea to the exclusion of all else. Simple attention to our lack of awareness is the awakening of awareness.” Stephen Sturgess, The Yoga Book.
Concentration is the binding of the mind’s attention (focused awareness) to one particular point (to the exclusion of everything else).
Dharana is the essential concentration practice that is needed in order to make meditation possible and is considered the doorway to meditation. Dharana helps to focus your mind so that it settles from the busyness of thoughts moving from everywhere. There can be confusion with the differences between Dharana 6th limb of yoga (concentration) and Dhyana 7th limb of yoga (meditation/effortless awareness.) Dharana is an active process where your redirect your attention back to a chosen object and Dhyana is when the effort dissolves and awareness flow continuously without effort.
In our everyday life concentration and focus is important to be present to remember information and to stay focused and attentive to whatever task we are doing. Dharana begins to reshape our attention functions for the entire day. The concentration that you build on the mat becomes the quality of attention you bring to your life. With regular practice you may find have better attention, feel more clearer, can make better decisions and have a better relationship with the world and other people.
Working with all the other limbs on the 8 limbs of yoga path help to bring us closer to moving into inner stillness and a deeper connection with the essence of our being and living a deeper and more purposeful life. The Yamas and Niyamas are moral codes or ways of right living which we can help ourselves and the world around us to live in a better place. Asana, pranayama, and pratyahara—prepare both the body and mind. Asana focuses on creating a stable and comfortable body through physical postures. Pranayama, the fourth limb, works on regulating the breath, which calms the mind and sharpens mental clarity. Pratyahara, the fifth limb, involves turning the senses inward and withdrawing from external distractions which then allows us to move towards the focused mental state required in dharana.
Dharana – Deep Focus and Concentration
Week 1 - Focus & Clarity
Often we can find it very challenging especially in the busyness of life to focus and concentrate and yoga can be a great practice to refocus your mind and regain your focus again. Breathing practices can increase our attention span while helping us to feel calmer and relaxed. Balancing poses can really harness in on full presence and concentration.
Week 2 - Focus On The Heart Centre
The heart centre can be a great focus point for the practice and a place of developing openness, peace and deep calmness. Working to find space around the shoulders, upper back and chest helps to connect more to this area. Moving and focusing on this space can direct the flow of prana (life force) to increase vitality and reduces tension and stress and on a deeper connection develops our qualities of love, compassion and empathy.
Week 3 - Focus On The Naval Center
The navel centre is considered a very important place in the body in yoga. Being aware of this space helps connect us to our posture and complete awareness of our body. During yoga practice this centre aids in better digestion, greater energy and enhanced mental clarity.
Week 4 - Focus On The Eyebrow Centre
Connection around the eyebrow centre during practice can help to balance the flow of energy in the body and can help to calm the mind. This energy centre is associated with intuition, inner wisdom, clarity and higher wisdom which develops us self-awareness.
Related Videos
Focus & Concentration
Yoga To Keep You Centred
Expand Your Awareness, Awaken Your Heart - Part 1
Expand Your Awareness, Awaken Your Heart - Part 2
Expand Your Awareness, Awaken Your Heart - Part 3
Breathe & Relax Deeply
This Month’s Music
Here’s a selection of the music that Vicky has been enjoying this month.
| Artist | Title |
|---|---|
| Julia Berkley | Call to the Guru |
| Sacred Earth | Stillness |
| Aroshanti | Inner Peace |
| Julia Berkley | Om Tare |
| Sacred Earth | Om Mani Padme Hum |
| Meditative Mind | Prana Apana |
| Suyana and Shastro | Flight of the Swans |
| Julia Berkley | Hara Hara Gange |
Recommended Books
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - B.K.S Iyengar
The Yoga Book - A Practical & Spiritual Guide To Self Realisation - Stephen Sturgess