“Watch out, you’re stepping on my drishti”. And so it would go…PT would then intentionally step on my “drishti” to see how much focus I really had and, ultimately, to challenge me.
So, here’s the scoop. A drishti (in yoga) is a non-moving object that can be used to maintain focus and balance. Yesterday was an amazing day of being balanced in more ways than one. Yesterday, Olivia (my hope inspiring yoga teacher) hosted another uplifting outdoor yoga event that focused on community and the strength and value that each one of us adds. It focused on lifting others up. It focused on celebrating and honoring the diversity of abilities and backgrounds.
One of the yoga poses asked of us was tree pose. It was so appropriate for me (and others) to strive to be a strong tree in the midst of a grove of beautiful trees. We could add our strength and breath to their strength and breath. We were one with the trees. I felt proud of my power as I balanced on one leg with my arms outstretched towards the branches above me. My balance was made stronger because of the focus on my drishti - a single leaf from one of the trees that I was emulating.
As I continued to fixate on my drishti, Olivia spoke about having focus – embracing that focal point that allows us to set our sights on forward progress. Everything in your peripheral vision becomes blurred as you focus on your goal. Whether it is to get through your hip struggles or to move onto a deeper or more consistent yoga practice, to step outside of your comfort zones or to be the best version of yourself, keeping your eyes on that prize is so incredibly important.
But what is also equally important is finding balance in everything you do. Are you too hyper-focused on your end goal and your drishti that you have lost the ability to see how far you have come? Have you lost your ability to see the strength of character that you have developed through your struggles? Have you lost your ability to have hope?
“Focus is a matter of deciding what things you’re not going to do” (John Carmack). I will not allow my quirky hips to define me. I will not lose my focus on my drishti of hope. What I will do is continue to fine tune and adjust my focus using balance. I will see the beauty of each individual leaf as part of the tree. Each leaf could be one opportunity for reflection when reaching my goal.
Find your drishti. Determine your outcomes. Discover your balance. Define your community. Define yourself as who you want to be. You will find your voice and your strength!
“Dream your own dreams, achieve your own goals. Your journey is your own and unique.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
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