Dharana

If we take pratyahara one step further we achieve dharana, which is the ability to hold that inspiration for ever longer periods of time, and in so doing we become one with the object of our activity. In this state we become fully present with what we are doing. If we are washing dishes we are washing dishes without thoughts of attraction or resentment. When we are speaking, reciting poetry or singing, we become the object, the song and the words. We lose the sense of self: our focus is fully present with the audience, the music and the heart of what we are doing.