What is Drishti in Hot Yoga?

Drishti is a Sanskrit word that translates to 'gaze' or 'view,' and in the context of yoga, it refers to a specific focal point for your eyes during the practice of a posture. It is a powerful technique for developing concentration, improving balance, and drawing your awareness inward, away from external distractions. In the dynamic and often crowded environment of a hot yoga studio, drishti is an essential tool for maintaining stability and focus. Each yoga posture has a designated drishti. For example, in Warrior II, the drishti is over the fingertips of the front hand. In balancing postures like Tree Pose, the drishti is on a fixed, unmoving point on the floor or wall in front of you. By fixing your gaze, you steady your mind. When the eyes are still, the mind tends to follow, preventing it from wandering to the person next to you, the sweat dripping from your nose, or thoughts about your to-do list. Practicing with a steady drishti transforms the physical practice into a deeper form of meditation. It helps to cultivate 'pratyahara,' the withdrawal of the senses, which is a key limb of yoga. It trains you to remain centered and calm, even amidst the intense physical sensations of a hot yoga class, making it a vital skill for advancing your practice beyond the purely physical.