Pyramid Dyana Maiyam The mind has reached the ability to be directed [Dharana] when direction toward a chosen object is possible in spite of many other potential objects within the reach of the individual. In asana practice, your body becomes the chosen object of your focus and you set the stage for Dharana: one-pointed concentration. Whether you set your focus on the shape of the pose or the energy of your breath within the flow of postures is inconsequential.
These moments provide opportunities to practice turning our attention back to our chosen point of focus. While your teacher’s alignment and breath cues can pull you back into your practice, perhaps more impactful is your ability to notice and intercept these “comparing” moments when they happen. Just because your mind “goes there,” does not mean it has to stay there. Nothing is wrong with having a mind that behaves in this way, but the Yoga Sutras maintain that our minds can be trained. In yoga class, this training guides us toward a clear, calm, focus on our posture or our breath.
