Finding Focus Through Your Gaze: The Power of Drishti in Yoga

In yoga practices, we often receive cues for our breath, alignment, and energy, but what about our gaze?

Drishti is a Sanskrit term meaning “focused gaze.” It’s not just about where we look with our eyes, but where we draw our awareness. Drishti serves as both a physical and energetic anchor in our practice, helping to still the mind, sharpen concentration, and invite deeper embodiment.

There are nine classical Drishti points used throughout traditional yoga postures:

• Tip of the nose (Nasagra Drishti)

• Between the eyebrows (Bhrumadhya Drishti)

• Navel (Nabhi Chakra Drishti)

• Hands (Hastagra Drishti)

• Toes (Padayoragra Drishti)

• Far to the right

• Far to the left

• Thumbs (Angushthamadhya Drishti)

• Up to the sky (Urdhva Drishti)

  
  

Next time you’re on your mat, invite a gentle curiosity toward your eyes.

• Where are you looking?

• Is your gaze steady or darting?

• Can you soften the focus without losing presence?

This soft, intentional focus can cultivate a grounded stillness within your practice. Drishti helps settle the nervous system, supports balance, and encourages the integration of body, mind, and spirit.

If your teacher doesn’t cue a specific gaze, try looking in the direction of the stretch or movement. For instance, in a seated twist, your gaze follows the direction of the twist, further enhancing the rotation and energetic flow.

With time, this awareness becomes second nature, an inner compass guiding you not only through your postures but also through your day.