Understanding Dharana & how to practice it

Focussing or concentrating on any singular thing is challenge at the best of times, isn't it?

We are bombarded with input from our senses from every direction and it's hard to control. All of this information can make it hard for us to have some peace and quiet in our heads!

But there is an effective way - concentrate on a singular thing and observe.

Here's what you do:

1. Choose a spot where you can sit comfortably; not too cold, not too warm. This will help control your sense of touch.

2. Light a scented candle, burn incense, light an oil burner, spray the room, or keep things natural and scentless. This focusses your olfactory.

3. Have a drink of water to cleanse the palate or pop a mint in your mouth to help focus your taste buds.

4. Close your eyes (to control your sight), listen to your breath (to control your hearing).

5. Observe the space around you; your senses cannot really be controlled fully, but paring back what comes in gives us the chance to observe without interacting with them.

Now, have you noticed something?

Yes, you just started meditating.

There is a very close connection between concentrating (Dharana) and observing (Dhyana, meditation).

When we concentrate, we create a pin-point observation of a thing and absorbing information from it.

When we practice Dharana, we concentrate to quiet the mind and settle the emotions. We can then drift into meditation and practice a deeper, more profound observation without having our mind and emotions slide back into stress and anxiety.

While meditation can sometimes seem impractical in our busy lives, concentration can certainly be used in every aspect of everyday living.

So, here's n invitation; next time you do an everyday, run-of-the-mill chore at home or find yourself stressing at work, take a few seconds to stop, breathe, and concentrate.

This is the practical way to practice Dharana.