Dvandvātīta – overcoming opposites
«Thus, there is no assault by the pairs of opposites» (Yoga-sūtra, 2.48).
Dvandvas are pairs of opposites: hot-cold, comfortable-uncomfortable, happy-unhappy, etc. Bhaghavad-gītā describes the enlightened person as the one who is free from opposites. In the Yoga-sūtra the same concept is referred to the physical body: whoever stabilizes himself in āsanas, manages to remain stable and comfortable beyond any sensation that can bring pleasantness or unpleasantness. It is the prerogative to concentrate the mind.
Talking about opposites is important, Aquarius, because you are at a crossroads. Mars in opposition can have two outlets: in the negative way it leads you to violent conflicts and anger; in the positive way it takes you to the peak of your activities, gives a boost of energy, creativity and strength to what you are doing. To turn towards the positive way, it is necessary to maintain full awareness of your attitudes, to avoid indulgence, laziness, discouragement on the one hand and arrogance and ego on the other. And all that is in order to avoid ruining everything by falling into conflict just when you’re at the top of the ridge. In short, you need to maintain attention and awareness and try to go beyond the opposites!
Stabilize body and mind with this sequence:
Utkata-āsana, literally the unstable pose, but known as the powerful pose and the yogic chair too. Try to relax in this instability and in this effort. Feel strong and firm, create your own stability. // From 30 sec. at 1 min.
Anuloma-Viloma, literally natural-unnatural, also called nādī-śuddhi or nādī-śodhana, that is cleansing of the channels. For awakening your mind and keeping it stable and calm. Try to exhale twice the time of the inhalation! // From 3 to 10 min.
Mauna, ritual silence. You do not have to be in a meditative position. You can do this exercise at any time during the day. I recommend in the morning immediately after getting up. Take ten minutes to listen: the noise of the water while you wash your face, the clink of the cups when you take one to make coffee, the refrigerator door that opens, and so on … listen to every little sound and you will notice that in all those little noises, you will find a wonderful silence, the silence of the mind. Practice listening. // 10 min.
TOTAL TIME: da 14 a 21 minuti.
MANTRA of the MONTH: «Choose wisely».
