Experiencing dharana through tradaka: Dharana is where we gather consciousness and focus it inward. One chooses a single point of focus such as a candle or flower or photo or image. Dharana is often defined as concentration or meditation. The object provides a point of focus to aid in stilling the mind for meditation.

I will introduce tradaka/gazing as an approach to lead into meditation using the guided script from Nischala Devi's book, "The Secret Power of Yoga". The goal is to introduce the client to another approach to meditation. She would like to find one that resonates and to develop a consistent practice. Client will report on how this practice feels.

50yoF, recently had Lyme followed by COVID, vapes, reports difficulty keeping (both mind and body) still to meditate. Client practices walking meditation with affirmation and brief guided meditation (like with an app) irregularly.

I envisioned meeting with the client and guiding the gazing practice. I would explain the practice and go over some practices that prepare the body and mind - movement, breathing practices, sensory and thought observation.

Raja yoga - tradaka/gazing is a form of concentration/dharana. Dharana, and the next 2 limbs - Dyana and Samadhi - are … progressive internal states that evolve from the earlier practices. (Devi - 2007)
Sutra 3.1: Gathering consciousness and focusing it within is Dharana.

We had 3 calls in total over 3 weeks. The first 2 of 15 minutes each to introduce the practice and explain a little bit, choose the best location, and to have the space set up in advance.
During the 3rd call, we had time before and after the practice for questions and discussion about the practice. The practice was about 20 minutes of guided practice, using the script from "The Secret Power of Yoga".

She has been trying out some different guided techniques and said she will add gazing to her repertoire. I have offered to guide this practice again if that would be useful to her.

I applied the guided tradaka part of the plan. I didn’t have the time and place planned, so I was able to adapt.. The goal of introducing the practice was achieved. The client’s comments were that she felt very relaxed and her mind was quiet. She said the practice felt natural and calming. She said she’d always been drawn to gaze at flames, and that she felt the image fade out slowly when her eyes were closed, as the script described.

I didn’t have a location in mind, and was open to suggestions about the time and place. We discussed in-person options, outdoor options (we both love nature), and ended up having a call for the reasons above. It worked out really well. The lesson is to be open to options and remain flexible.

I would begin the same way: suggesting the practice, describing it, and offering options for ways to practice (ie. at home, at the studio, using a candle, flowers, or other uplifting object). Guiding the practice on a call was perfect in this case. We’d had several discussions prior, we had time for questions and discussion, I had my own candle lit, so my instructions came across as authentic as possible.