Yoga teachers may talk about “Drishti” (vision). On the mat, they often refer to it as a form of gazing in the distance to focus your mind in the present moment. Focus is fundamental in yoga practice. Focusing your eyes and your attention is practicing the yogic technique called “Drishti”.
However, even though using your vision to stay in the now or come back to it is always an excellent tool, there is another important dimension to consider in understanding and properly use “Drishti”. Along with this intention to gaze so as to step out of your overactive mind, you need to always make sure the gaze direction does not lead you to sacrifice your spinal length.
When Drishti is used properly, there is no neck or back compression and the kundalini energy can flow through you as it is meant to.
Pay attention to what is happening in the back of your neck when you look up in any given pose. Many poses do not require you to lift your head up as it is commonly cued by some teachers. Often, you are cued to “look up” in a way that is not necessary for the movement at all.
This cue has been passed on over the years from one teacher to the other and yet it was not necessarily an appropriate cue to start with. If you can look up with your eyes without compressing the back of your head, you’re good. Otherwise, don’t feed neck compression, it never is worth it for your body.
If you are having trouble with this, know that by activating your whole-body intelligence, you can always find the best way to do any pose in alignment with your whole-body intelligence. Even Crow Pose can be done with no neck compression! Yes, it is doable and much better for you!:)
If you want to learn more about this breakthrough way to approach yoga so that your poses are always performed in line with your whole-body intelligence, check my blog site, read my blogs, sign up for my free email seminar or webinars. They all offer great value to help you practice yoga, even power yoga with optimal safety and highest results.
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Cecile Raynor has been teaching the Alexander Technique for over 25 years out of which came her B.I.A. Process to assist yogis enhance their practice bypassing the intellect. She is also a Thai Yoga Massage Therapist and a Reiki Practitioner. Faculty at Akasha Yoga Teacher Training, she runs a 12 months Mastermind for Yoga Teachers with a Vision, and a 90 Day Virtual Program for trainees, new teachers and committed yoga practitioners interested in using their body more efficiently on and off the mat. She is currently writing a book on her personal and professional experience to be published this year with BlissLife Press, San Diego California.
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