MONKEY MIND

How to control your "monkey mind" during your yoga practice? The kind of mind that jumps from thought to thought, making it difficult to stay focused and present!.

TRISTANA is the mixture of three essential elements that can greatly enhance your yoga practice: breath, gaze, and energy locks.

• Ujjayi breath, also known as the Victorious Breath. This breathing technique involves slowing down and lengthening your breath. By fully filling your lungs, you increase your lung capacity and improve the supply of oxygen to your muscles. The Ujjayi breath serves as a point of concentration for your mind, helping you practice pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses. By focusing on your breath, you can keep your mind steady and calm, even when faced with challenging poses.

• The bandhas, or energy locks. These locks might seem counterintuitive, but they actually activate the flow of energy in your body. By engaging these locks, you direct prana, the life force energy, from the base of your spine into the energy channels throughout your body. Think of bandhas as powerful energy centers that keep the energy from escaping. By creating and maintaining these locks, you activate and circulate energy, amplifying the benefits of your practice.

• Drsti, or yogic gaze. This refers to the direction you look and the focus you maintain during your practice. By choosing a specific point of focus, you cultivate both focus and stability. Drsti helps you concentrate, find balance, and prevent your attention from wandering.