USE LIGHT WITH INTENT
the mantra candle functions as the physical manifestation of your intention and provides a focal point for your practice. it is unscented on purpose to reduce distraction.
our mantra candle honors the centrality of light as a point of focus, meditation, and gathering in eastern wisdom traditions. you can always use an existing candle for this practice.
initiate your yoga and meditation practice by lighting your candle and bringing to mind your personal mantra. it will help you find your focus and motivate you. follow this by using the light of your candle as a drishti to anchor your physical practice and as part of dharana meditation to cultivate inner focus and attention.
mantra
light with intent
begin your practice by repeating your mantra to set your intention as you light your candle. this will allows you to bring your focus to the present moment. allow the mantra to edit the noise and distraction so you can focus.
practice a series of asanas
begin you yoga practice of choice. yoga in sanskrit means the yoking of body and breath for the purpose of higher union. the physical practice will prepare for the dharana practice of cultivating attention which requires even greater focus.
repeat as you end your practice
reaffirm your intention as you settle into restful savasana. refocus your attention any time it wanders during the physical practice by bringing your gaze back to the light of your mantra candle.
drishti
light with intent
use your canlde as a drishti to stabilize your gaze during the physical practice. place the mantra candle atleast 6 feet in front of your mat in direct sight. keep props such as blocks and strap within reach as you may need them to modify challenging sequences.
initiate the physical practice
a drishti will allow for greater precision in alignment and aid transitions between poses. it will also steady the breath which is vital to full expression of each asana. a dristi practice is particularly helpful for poses such as tree pose and eagle pose where focus and balance are paramount.
practice as a moving meditation
focus can bring ease and fluidity to the yoga practice by facilitating transitions between the asanas. this increases the mental and physical benefits to the practitioner. a greater sense of centering and calm follows.
dharana
light with intent
yoga sees a direct connection link between a distracted gaze and an unfocused mind. the practice of using a drishti to cultivate attention serves to offset our natural tendency to get caught up in the moment and be overwhelmed by external stimuli.a consistent drishti practice develops yogic concentration which in turn helps us prioritize our focus and energies the rest of the day.
sit comfortably for meditation practice
bring your attention to the general vicinity of your focal point. begin to breathe intentionally from your belly evening out your inhales and exhales. as you breathe let your attention hone in further until you see only a pinpoint of light in front of you and peripheral vision dissipates. this may happen just for a moment but extending that moment is dharana.
bring your attention back when it wanders
the purpose of meditation is to notice when we lose focus and our mind wanders. this will happen over and over again. each time gently bring your attention back to the point of focus. with dharana your ability to concentrate outside of practice will improve as well.
THE MANTRA PROJECT
the mantra candle is a part of our mantra project kit.
begin your mindfulness journey by participating in the project and find motivation for your practice and your day. in gratitude calmdojo will donate 50% of the profits from the sale of each kit to fund wellbeing initiatives in underserved communities.
