Trataka – Yoga Pose of the Month
Close your eyes and find the image of the flame behind your closed lids. Hold this image in your awareness at the center of your eyebrows, your third-eye point. You may become aware of your thoughts, your feelings and the sensations in your body. Keep drawing your attention right back to the image of the flame.
When the image is gone, open your eyes and return your gaze to the wick of the candle. Gaze steadily into the flame and bring your full mental energy into the flame for as long as you can.
Then, close your eyes and focus on the image of the flame at your third eye for as long as the image is clear.
Continue moving from the external flame to the internal flame. Notice how your concentration sharpens with practice. When you are ready to end your practice, chant three rounds of OM, allowing the vibration of the sound to completely fill your body and resonate towards your third eye point.
Then, meditate in the silence. Keep awareness at ajna chakra and continue moving your mind toward the still quiet place inside, aware of your body, aware of your thoughts and becoming more and more enchanted by your sense of inner peace.
*Trataka is a simple and powerful practice that can strengthen the eyes, improve concentration and memory and lead to stages of meditation that can bring deep peace. As you gain spiritual experience, it is always helpful to work with a qualified teacher who can guide you. Om
Chrisandra Fox teaches weekly classes at Yoga Tree and Yoga Garden in San Francisco and leads The Heart of Renewal Retreats. Email Chrisandra@gmail.com
Photos by Faern, http://faernworks.com
