From Outward Drishti to Deep Inner Stillness

Reflections on Returning from the U.S., Holding Retreat Space, and Floating in Silence

In yoga, drishti refers to where we place our gaze—our point of focus. But beyond the physical, it’s also about where we direct our attention. Over the past few weeks, my drishti has been turned happily outward.

I spent precious time in the U.S. with family and friends. It was a very nourishing time, filled with laughter, conversation, reconnection, and the joy of being with those I love. My heart felt full from this outward attention— sharing new stories and revisting old ones, as well as meals with my family, market day with my mom, a few snorts (aka, libations) with my Dad and sister, and some spontaneous moments (early morning tidepool visits with my daughter).

Soon after returning, I shifted into full retreat mode. Lot's of planning and organizing the sessions and information for my lovely participants. I had the privilege of guiding 20 incredible women through a weekend of yoga and mindfulness. We practiced, breathed, rested, laughed and let go (and dipped into a cold mountain stream!). I try my best each time to offer my full presence for 20 minds, hearts, and bodies—which is humbling and wonderful. These retreats always remind me how powerful it is to gather in community with shared intention and care.

...And then, it was time to turn my gaze inward.

I decided to follow it up with by floating in a deprivation tank in Bern—an enclosed space filled with warm water and Epsom salts, allowing the body to float effortlessly. The water was the exact temperature of my skin. There was no light—I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face—and no sound except the gentle rhythm of my breath. I chose to close the lid for a deeper inward experience. For 60 minutes, there was no where to go, nothing to do, nothing to respond to — only what's inward. I can imagine it's like floating effortlessly in space (without fear of being hit by a meteor and with knowing you could get your feet back on the earth at any time ).

It was exactly what I needed.

As an introvert in a fairly extroverted job, I often forget how much energy goes to outward attention. That hour of weightlessness and sensory silence gave me a lovely and deep reset. I fell asleep on the train ride home (thankfully didn't miss my stop) and that night, I slept for ten solid hours.

Drishti is a practice, and it shifts. Sometimes it’s happily focused outward in community and connection. Sometimes it’s turned inward, toward the breath, the body, and our inner experience. I’m grateful for both, and for the quiet in-between moments that help me find balance again. Where is your attention today or where has it been more recently? Your job, family, planning, helping, organizing time and things for yourself and others?

Take a moment to notice: is your drishti turned outward or inward? What might help you restore balance? Whether it's connection with a friend or solitude, laughter or stillness—may you find what you need to come home to yourself.