Abhyasa – practice

«Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice. How can one get success without practice; for by merely reading books on Yoga, one can never get success. Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress (Vesa). It cannot be gained by telling tales. Practice alone is the means to success. This is true, there is no doubt» (Hathayoga-Pradīpikā, 1.65-66).

Abhyasa is the first precept in any type of yoga. Abhyasa is the practice, which can be adapted, modified according to needs and circumstances, but never abandoned. It takes a certain amount of discipline to carry it forward and a certain amount of humility to remember that you are constantly on the way. 

Remember the practice, Aries. If you learn to use your energies with the right practice, August can be a month full of opportunities. Take the initiative and you can achieve a lot. But keep humility as well: if you expect others to follow what you decide or want, then you will face opposition and nervousness and it will seem that others are unfair to you. Work for yourself and find the right compromise with others.

IN PRACTICE

Shalabha-āsana, locust-pose

Take your strength and take what you need. Practice this exercise at least three times a week.

Awareness exercise

The previous exercise helps you remembering the strength of the grasshopper, who is able to travel long distances to get what it wants. At the same time the grasshopper is considered a plague for the fact that it tends to infest environments. Observe yourself in your behaviors, work hard for what you want, but avoid infesting the field of others! 

Mantra of the month

«Abhyasa».