«It is merely impossibile to have your darśan, but today I was so graced. I have surrender my ego to your feet and so my mission in life is complete» (Astanga Yoga by Sant Charandas, I.2).
Happy Birthday Libra!
Birthday is always an excellent opportunity to take stock of yourself. The Sun is a symbol for action and for the Self and, as it is joined to your sign, it leads you to think about who you are now and what you want. Saturn square makes you consider where the projects started seven years ago have reached; while Pluto square let you think at your position in the world now. If you want to start new activities, it’s the right time for the position of Sun and Mars. A friendly Mars, trine with Mercury, helps you this month in relationships too.
Pratyāhāra is the act of withdrawing or reabsorbing. It’s the ability to withdraw the senses from the outer world in order to be no more distracted by what happens outside the body and prepare the mind for meditation. In samyama, or the meditative process, pratyāhāra is necessary to get to know the object of concentration in a direct way, that is without the sensory filter.
The concept is a bit complicated, Libra, but take the pratyāhāra in its simplest meaning: withdraw a moment in yourself for a reflection on yourself. This short sequence can help you:
Utkata-āsana, literally unstable position, but known as the powerful pose and yogic chair. Strong and firm on your legs, try to relax in this instability and in this effort. Take stock of yourself. // From 30 sec. at 1 min.
Kūrma-āsana, turtle pose. Withdraw as the turtle withdraws its limbs and head. If you do not reach the feet with you forehead, use a support to rest your head. Make the position comfortable. Observe the flow of thoughts and look where it takes you. // 2-3 min.
Concentration. Relax in a meditative position. Take some time to relax all the muscles. Observe the breath, observe the state of the mind. Try to make yourself aware of all the sensations of the body, especially those related to the touch: the pressure of the legs and buttocks on the ground; the touching of the clothes on the shoulders and on the abdomen, the warmth of the hands in the points of contact with each other and with the legs; the freshness of the parts of bare skin that are touched by the air; etc. Go on seeking for tactile sensations. // From 5 to 15 min.
TOTAL TIME: from 8 to 19 minutes.
MANTRA of the MONTH: «So ham».
ATTENTION: each technique may have contraindications. Take proper information before practising. Ask your teacher for the correct execution. The recommended times are provided only as a guide, always adjust the practice to your own times and limits. Never force, positions must be comfortable and stable! For any doubt leave a comment below!