It's all in the Eyes

Our eyes are said to be the windows of the soul, and that to which all is mirrored. In yogic teachings, the eyes are the area of concentrated prana in the subtle body, a space of deep healing, and inner wisdom.

Many things can be seen in and through the eyes; they can project and receive healing energy, and are the connection between the visual, perception, and sensing systems. Through the use of our eyes in yoga practice, we open the gateway for transformation, move towards ekagrata (one pointedness), and with practice, arrive at the bliss of inner stillness.

Drishti (Dhrist) or eye focus, is a fundamental practice of yoga. Enabling an inner (and outer) gaze, as well as focal point for the concentration of the mind. Through the optic nerve and these specific focal point techniques comes a stimulation of the brain and glandular system, as well as a guidance of energy flow through the nadis (energy system).

Of the many drishti available within yoga and meditation practice, the most commonly used are:

• third eye (ajna chakra) - eye lids closed with gaze (eyes) rolled to the brow point

• tip of nose (lotus point) - eye lids partially opened with gaze in alignment with the line of nose and looking towards the ground

• chin (moon centre) - eye lids closed with gaze downward towards the chin

• crown (solar centre) - eye lids closed with gaze upward towards the crown (top of head)

  
  

If you are new to practicing drishti, you may like to meditate for a few minutes using each of the different techniques (one at a time). It is helpful to 'feel' each action and then be guided to a deeper practice.

For those who would love to learn more about drishti, I will be guiding these techniques in our upcoming '7 Day Spring Health and Wellness Challenge', beginning September 8th and available on-demand throughout Spring. A deeper drishti program is set for arrival in just a few short weeks. Go to https://www.thesunshinechannel.com.au/programs for details and to join.

In love and health, Nicole x

Nicole Edwards is a Mental Health Therapist, Mentor, Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Teacher from the Gold Coast region of Australia. Contact TheSunshineChannel@outlook.com to connect or book a 1:1 session, class, program, or workshop, at https://thesunshinechannel.com.au today.