A New Way to Start the New Year (aka Drishti)
By: Grace Kraaijvanger
Happy 2024! One of the highlights of 2023 for me was completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training (and beginning another 300-hour training) with my teacher, Lesley Desaulniers at Padma Yoga in Fairfax, Ca.
Admittedly, at the start of 2023, I wasn't sure exactly WHY I signed up for yoga teacher training, other than I love yoga and wanted to deepen my practice. Learning that I love to teach was a beautiful surprise and I was so proud to teach the yoga class at our daylong retreat last Fall.
But, the bigger surprise for me was how much yoga has taught me about running my business, staying aligned with our mission, and staying true to what I believe is my dharma (or calling) in this world. The metaphors from yoga to life run deep, and I wanted to share one that's been on my mind recently.
DRISHTI
In yoga, there's a concept called Drishti, meaning to find your focus or gazing point. It's that gentle yet firm focus that helps us keep our balance. It's not a steely stare, but rather a steady gaze that connects us with our breath and keeps our eyes open, literally and figuratively.
This concept of soft focus is a remarkable metaphor as we move into the New Year.
We can put so much pressure on ourselves with the "new year, new me" mentality. I know I'm guilty of going into a goal-setting tailspin around this time. Between business goals, clean-eating, and my new dumbell set, I found myself entering 2024 as a big ball of New Year nerves.
The concept of Drishti reminds us that we can choose to move into the New Year with a soft focus, and a kind gaze. Both inward and outward. It steadies our balance and connects us to our deeper why, without all the resolution drama.
Take it easy, on your New Years "resolutions"...you have so much beauty inside inherently to focus on. Wishing you a steady gaze (your drishti) as you move forward into 2024.
I look forward to being right by your side. When I tell you that we have exciting things ahead in 2024, it's almost an understatement. Stay tuned next week for our big PODCAST launch announcement. And so much more. How's that for a 2024 teaser? :)
Xo,
Grace