"There is a part of each of us that would like us to miss the point – a part of each of us that wants to believe that there will be no magic, no mystery, that our own life is not blessed and sacred, that our days are not a miracle, and that we are not connected to all living beings as a leaf is to a tree.  In response to this predicament, we have created yoga."  ~Rolf Gates.

The practice of Dharana, the sixth limb in the Eight Limbs of Yoga, beckons us to explore the art of concentration, offering a serene path to mindfulness.

In its purest form, Dharana (pronounced dah-rah-nuh) is about anchoring our attention to a single point. This could be the rhythmic dance of a candle flame, the intricate details of a flower's petals, an idea awaiting unraveling, or a mantra resonating within. The beauty of Dharana lies in its adaptability, molding itself to the contours of our thoughts and intentions.

Engaging in Dharana is like dropping an anchor in the ever-flowing river of the present moment. In a world that constantly pulls us between the currents of the past and the future, Dharana gently encourages us to hit pause and focus on the now. It's not a forceful action but a subtle surrender to the act of concentrating our attention on a single point, whether in the external world or within the recesses of our own minds.

Picture this: you're fully immersed in a task, and everything else fades away, distractions reduced to a distant hum. That's the magic of Dharana: a heightened state of awareness where your surroundings become companions rather than disruptions.

To prepare for Dharana, find a comfy seat, embrace stillness, and consider implementing some Pranayama into the early stage your practice. Let the breath settle the internal flurry of thoughts, creating a calm and centered mental space. Whether your eyes are open, fixed on an external point, or closed, inviting introspection, the key is to be fully present in the moment.

Remember, the mind has a tendency to wander – it's a part of its charm. So when you catch yours venturing into the realms of past regrets or future uncertainties, gently guide it back to your chosen focal point. It's a dance, a patient redirection of the mind towards the here and now.

Incorporating Dharana into your daily practice is an invitation to craft a mindful existence. It's a reminder that, amidst life's bustling chaos, we hold the power to center ourselves and find serenity. So the next time you crave an escape from the noise of the world, consider embracing the gentle power of Dharana – a journey into the heart of stillness, one focused breath at a time.