How to Focus Your Gaze During Iyengar Yoga

Focusing your gaze, or drishti in Sanskrit, is a means of turning your consciousness away from that which is around you to a single focal point. This act isn’t about the actual point of focus but is merely a method to draw your attention inwards.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Exercise mat
• Comfortable clothing
• Leotard

1. Move slowly into a pose, or asana, paying close attention to your body alignment and breath.

2. Focus your gaze on a fixed point that's natural to the pose, pushing all distractions away.

3. Soften your gaze, allowing your eyes to look past this focal point, detached from its actual reality.

4. Draw your attention from the outer existence of this point to the inner essence of the self.

5. Let your mind find balance with this single-pointed focus. Let it enhance both the contemplative and meditative practices of the pose.

6. Slowly move into the next the pose,

Tips & Warnings

• In Iyengar Yoga, you will be holding poses for longer periods of time than other forms of yoga so it is important that your posture is correct.
• If you close your eyes during a pose, simply re-establish your gaze on the natural focal point.
• To find an Iyengar instructor, contact the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (see Resources below). It can provide you with a list of certified teachers around the globe.
• Never force yourself into a gaze that strains your eyes, body or brain.

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Resources

• Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States