Finding a focal point for your eyes during your yoga practice limits distraction, soothes your mind and helps you to develop a relaxed form of concentration. Closing your eyes completely removes visual stimuli but even when your eyes are closed they might continue to dart around, particularly if your mind is full of activity. Finding a place for your eyes to settle gives them a rest from all the work they do in providing you with information and keeping you safe.
There are many focal points for the gaze which you can practice with your eyes open or close keeping your gaze gentle and without strain. One of my favourites is on the space between the eyebrows; another is towards the tip of the nose. You can also find a point to focus on with your eyes open, say on your mat, floor or wall depending on the pose you’re in, and then close your eyes while keeping an image of that point in your mind’s eye. Every time you feel your eyes shift away from their place of focus, bring them back and let them rest once again. This is a practice in relaxed concentration and gentle focus as you stay relaxed in a pose.
At the end of your yoga practice you might like to give your eyes an extra treat by rubbing your hands to get them warm and cupping your eyes with your palms, letting the tips of your fingers gently rest at the top of your head. You can spend a few breaths here allowing the warmth of your hands to soothe and comfort your eyes before lowering your head and removing your hands. You can do this once or several times especially if your eyes have felt particularly strained or tired. On the final time, before releasing your hands, separate your fingers and allow your eyes to flutter open so they can get used to the light gradually.
Next time you want to help your eyes and mind relax, give these practices a go and let me know how you get on.
Photo credit: David Groom
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