PINCHA MAYURASANA

Pincha (पिन्च, Pinca) = Feather
Mayura (मयूर, Mayūra) = Peacock
Asana (आसन, Āsana) = Pose, Posture, Seat
Pincha Mayurasana (पिन्च मयूरासन, Pinca Mayūrāsana) = Posture-of-the-Peacock’s Feather

Use this step-by-step guide to build the physical, emotional, and spiritual fortitude you need to master Pincha Mayurasana—and your own internal journey.

This time of year inspires everyone with the promise of a fresh start. Too often, though, people set their sights on monumental change only to give up when it isn’t evident within a few days of effort. I, for one, have reinvented myself more times that I can remember. I’ve changed city, apartment, boyfriend, country, and culture all in search of a peaceful inner geography. I’ve been an academic, a party girl, a hippie, an intern, a “yogi”, a raw vegan, and now after many years of searching, finally, just myself. What got me there was beginning to understand that yoga is a lifelong path of discipline and devotion and beginning to understand the kind of strength it takes to let go of the ego and drop down into the Self.

Challenging inversions like Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance) helped me find my inner strength. The journey wasn’t easy. It took me nearly two years to find balance in this posture—and I wanted to give up many times. I won’t offer any quick fixes here. What I will offer is a slow, steady path to the discovery of your true Self through the vehicle of the asana. Taking time to build strength step by step develops the physical, emotional, and spiritual fortitude you need to master both the posture and the inner journey. Deep within you is eternal peace, a personal sanctuary, a place where no matter how hectic life gets on the surface, stillness remains. Take time each day to go there and discover that steady oasis of tranquility. Yoga is not an escape but a radical acceptance of all that is. Build the strength this year to love yourself more every day.

BENEFITS

Forearm Balance is a challenging inversion with many benefits:

§         Strengthens the shoulders, arms and back

§         Stretches the shoulders and chest

§         Decompresses the spine

§         Improves sense of balance

§         Relieves mild depression

MODIFICATIONS

• You may want to place a foam block in between your hands to encourage your arms to hug inwards.
• You can stay at step 3 to build strength until you feel ready to take some hops.