Abhikramanāśa – futile effort

«In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear » (Bhagavad-gītā, 2.40).

There are no abhikramanāśas, useless efforts, in yoga if it is practiced with determination and devotion. Talking abbot yoga practice, little is better than nothing and that little can already be enough to open awareness and lead to spiritual evolution. Therefore it is necessary to keep doing even when it doesn’t seem to see results, even when doubt is arising. Remember these words especially in the second half of the month, Cancer, when tiredness and stress could discourage you and make you want to drop everything and satisfy more contingent and less long-term desires. Take advantage of the good position of Venus and Mercury in the first half of the month to charge yourself with positivity and initiative. Then all you have to do is to switch from theory to practice!

Work on perseverance with these exercises:

Parivrittajānuśirsha-āsana, revolved head-to-knee forward bend. A strong work on the abdomen and on the third chakra, seat of will. // 1-2 min. on the side.

Vīrabhadra-āsana, second variation. Vīrabhadra is one of Śiva’s terrifying forms. The position gives courage and determination, that is what you need to face the challenges of life. // 1-2 min. per side.

Baka-āsana, crane pose. Not an easy pose, but useful to remind you that not everything is immediately achievable. With perseverance, though, you can get a lot or even everything. Difficult does not mean impossible. // From 30 sec. to 1 min.

TOTAL TIME: from 5 to 9 minutes.

MANTRA OF THE MONTH: «Everything is useful».