WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOGA
DISCOVERING DHARANA: THE BEAUTIFUL CYCLE OF MINDFULNESS
Yoga offers valuable benefits that extend far beyond āsana (Sanskrit: आसन - body posture - the movements on our mat). Many concepts from yoga can seamlessly integrate into our daily routines.
DHARANA is the practice of enhancing concentration, helping us focus better on the present moment. This is a valuable and useful skill to develop, especially as summer approaches, taking us outside and bringing busier schedules and countless distractions.
This type of concentration is often referred to as MINDFULNESS. Which isn't just about meditation. It’s being fully aware of our actions and words - living in the moment - and generally being awake to the world around us
Why is this important? Heightened attention allows us to engage with life in a more mindful and meaningful way.
In personal interactions, being fully present creates deeper and more meaningful connections and better communication, allowing us to engage more meaningfully with colleagues, friends and family. As a result of this kind of attention and focus, we become more attuned to the small details in our environment, promoting a more mindful and intentional lifestyle. And so, it creates a beautiful cycle.
By strengthening our ability to concentrate through dharana, in the workplace, this means we can significantly enhance our productivity. For example, mindfulness improves our ability to focus on tasks, minimizing distractions, absent-mindedness and increasing our efficiency. This way, we can accomplish more in less time. It also helps us prioritize tasks effectively, manage our time efficiently, and engage in conversations with improved listening skills. (Paying attention to those we are with is one of the best ways to show respect!)
TO ENHANCE DHARANA, WE OFTEN INCORPORATE THESE TWO POSTURES INTO OUR YOGA PRACTICE:
SUKHASANA (EASY POSE) - This seated posture encourages a relaxed yet alert state. By sitting comfortably with a straight spine, you can cultivate a sense of calm and focus, making it easier to concentrate on the present moment.
VRIKSHASANA (TREE POSE): Balancing poses helps improve focus and stability. As you root one foot into the ground and lift the other, you train your mind to concentrate on maintaining balance, which can translate into better concentration in daily activities.
