Yoga with Jen
Focus: It's Not Holding On; It's Letting Go.
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"Focusing is about saying NO." -Steve Jobs
While researching ("googling") this month's theme, I stumbled upon this short YouTube clip of Steve Jobs with a full head of hair, yapping about focus. I love how it cuts right to the point. Focus isn’t about doing more or trying harder; it’s about gently releasing what doesn’t need our attention so we can fully commit to what matters.
In yoga, we practice focus through drishti—a steady gaze. Sometimes that gaze is external, like looking over the front hand in Warrior II. Sometimes it’s internal, like resting your awareness on your breath or heartbeat. And sometimes, focus comes from softening the gaze or even closing the eyes, trusting the body to find balance without the eyes leading the way.
Off the mat, here are a few intentional ways to practice focus:
Single-tasking: Choose one thing at a time—drinking your favorite beverage, walking, answering an email—and give it your full attention.
Pause points: Pick a natural pause in your day (before meals, before turning on the car, before bed) and take three intentional breaths.
Say no (gently): Notice one thing that pulls your attention unnecessarily and practice letting it go, even for just a little while.
Focus isn’t about gripping tightly—it’s about creating space by saying no, so the “yes” can be more intentional. This month in class, we’ll explore drishti as both anchor and invitation. We’ll establish a clear point of focus, and we’ll also play with what happens when we let that point go.
Hope to see you on the mat!
Jen
