Eight Limbs of Yoga:

We have explored the first 5 limbs of yoga... 1. Yamas (outer ethical codes) 2. Niyamas (the the inner, personal ethical practices) 3. Asana (postures) 4. Pranayama (breath control) 5. Pratyahara (withdraw of senses) & today we move to the 6th limb... ⁠
⁠
♥️Dhāraṇā♥️ ⁠
(Mindfulness / Concentration)⁠⁠
⁠
Dhāraṇā is the practice of gathering our attention & focusing inward... bringing our attention into the present. While Pratyahara⁠ supports in the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses, Dhāraṇā builds on the⁠ practice & supports us in shifting away from the ego. ⁠

Ego?

Yes, ego... the part of us that disconnects us from our purpose, our essence, our Self. When our ego is in the driver's seat, it can lead to reactivity or a heightened sense of self-importance. Telling us: we have to be available all of the time, respond to a text/call/email immediately or perhaps when we have too much on our to-do list. Does this resonate?!
⁠
Dhāraṇā Reflections: 
✨Mindfulness invites us to practice focusing on the present moment.⁠
⁠✨Eckhart Tolle's teachings are dedicated to the practice of Dhāraṇā:⁠
"When you make friends with the present moment, you feel at home no matter where you⁠ are. When you don't feel at home in the Now, no matter where you go, you will carry⁠ unease with you".⁠ ~ Eckhart Tolle
⁠
3 of my fav Dhāraṇā practices:
1. Mantra Meditation Thanks, @deepakchopra 
Mantra: Sohum
So (Sanskrit for 'I') Hum (Sanskrit for 'AM')
Inhale... So
Exhale... Hum
2. Checking-In, in this moment:
How am I being, in this doing?
3. Removing ALL notifications from your devices. This is a new practice I have been enjoying since logging off on December 24th. It invites me to practice dhāraṇā by being mindful as I log onto my phone or computer. As I mindfully open my email & mindfully engage with social media.
⁠
Reflective prompt:
How do you practice Dhāraṇā?⁠
Would love to hear your great practices!

♥️ Dr. Melissa Jay