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Happy June 8, 2022 – Dharana (Intense Focus)
Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June. Additionally, we are in the middle of a quick series of daily practices inspired by the first three Upper Limbs. We covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the sense yesterday. As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the lower limbs, and then sequentially upon each other. These practices are all meditation focused and therefore must truly be attained on your own. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.
Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge
We have a bonus daily meditation challenge for June. Try any of our Dharana practices today!
Dharana (Intense Focus)
Nearly all meditation practices you think of are types of Dharana.
Dharana is the 6th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as concentration. This comes from the Sanskrit root “dhri” meaning to hold, carry, or maintain. I prefer to think of Dharana as intense focus, a bit stronger than “concentration”. This is typically the second step for meditation – after letting the outside world slip away, we then direct our focus inward. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices – see our full list!
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dharana-focused Meditation Practice. Perhaps try our breath-focused meditation again to prepare for tomorrow’s next level of meditation. Perhaps focus on your breath or body in Shavasana / Corpse Pose after an Asana practice, another meditative practice from our list, try a guided meditation below, or any other method of your own.. whatever feels right to you. We will cover mandalas and flame gazing later!
Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices
- Most guided meditations (see list of some of my favorites below)
- Our first breath-focused meditation
- Meditations focusing on sounds like a Mantra or special word
- Meditations focusing sight on one set object such as a flower, color, hands, etc.
- Full body scans
- Meditative driving, walking, or hiking
- Special focus practices like creating mandalas or flame gazing
Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey!
Recommended Dharana Guided Meditation Videos
Morning Motivational Meditation (10 minutes)
Evening Sleep/Relaxation Meditation (50 minutes)
Full Night Sleep Meditation (8 hours)
Grounding Meditation (9 minutes)
Body Scanning Guided Meditation (15 minutes)
Loving Kindness Guided Meditation (15 minutes)
Self-Reflective Guided Meditation (15 minutes)
Positive Affirmation Guided Meditation (12 minutes)
Celestial Visualization Guided Meditation (7 minutes)
Manifest Meditations (Power of Attraction) (10 minutes)
Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!
You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster in order to help yourself find a comfortable seat for meditation.
Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies
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More Positive Practices
Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!
Related Positive Practices
Share your Practice
Please comment and let me know which you tried, and what you thought of this Dharana exercise! If you have another favorite, then please share the link! Always remember, be kind!
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