What do we mean by focus? In our modern day society it conjures up an image of someone concentrating intensely, maybe over his or her computer. The image is narrow and leaves little space for expansion and relaxation. Focus in our modern world has the feeling of contraction. Yogic focus brings an ease and lightness into the space of focus that expands awareness and possibility. It is the ability to stay awake and aware of what's happening in the outer environment while experiencing awareness of the inner environment. The woman who uses yogic focus during labor and delivery holds both spaces simultaneously. She exists in both worlds. This makes the process of labor and delivery an extraordinary journey that can be a great teacher for the laboring woman.

Detachment is an integral part of yogic focus. In the twenty first century the concept of detachment has negative connotations. In our society it brings up the image of an uncaring person or one devoid of feeling. Yogic detachment has the qualities of heightened awareness through observation while not getting caught up in the drama of the outer world. This brings the woman into a non-judgmental space. Letting go of judgment is an important part of yogic focus. Detachment keeps the woman in the moment and encourages her to keep going regardless of the out-come. In the end she will not judge the process. Detachment is the key to feeling successful during labor and delivery.

Internal focus is another concept confused by today's concentration on the outer world. There is the outer landscape of the city with all the buildings and roads. There is also an inner landscape that is particular to the individual. It is one's personal space. Moving inward is not a popular activity in the western world. It is imperative that a pregnant woman has this practice of experiencing her internal landscape on a regular basis if she is to prepare herself for a successful labor. Her inner world is a space that no one else can access. This gives her a deep connection with herself and her process. Traversing the inner world brings depth, focus and vitality to the mind and body. Reserves of energy are accessed and used through the aware flow of the breath. Bringing attention inward gives the body and mind a chance to relax. It helps to quiet the chatter of the mind and allows the muscles to loosen their grip on the bones. How does one access the depths of the inner landscape?

The slow steady rhythm of the breath is our guide when we journey though our inner space. In any pre natal yoga class there needs to be emphasis on the breath. It teaches the woman to bring attention to her breath during the day so that she recognizes when she holds her breath or it has become shallow. Focus on the breath also helps the woman to monitor her thoughts. Usually if breathing has become labored or shallow a thinking pattern emerges. By imagining the thoughts going into space or visualizing them moving out to sea the woman can detach from thoughts that don't serve her. In my pre natal yoga class I describe the inner landscape as any thoughts, feelings or images that show themselves. We practice allowing these images to surface and then we visualize them dissipating. When the inner world is penetrated there is limitless energy and limitless spaces to explore.

The breath is the pathway to any successful labor. If a woman holds her breath during labor then stress builds and the muscles become tense, making it difficult to flow from contraction to contraction. Holding one