Fifth Stage: Balance

Note: We are mastering the balance. You have not mastered the balance perfectly yet and that is why it will be quite difficult for you to understand and especially to keep that posture. The balance is crucial to you. So you should exercise more persistently.

1. Stand tall; lower your arms freely.

2. Transfer the body weight upon the left leg. Lift your right foot and hold it with your hand; lead it throughout your leg until you reach the inguen. Set your right toes against the fleshy part of your left thigh over the knee so that your foot would not slip.

3. Straighten yourself and join the palms in front of the chest.

4. If you would fail to stand on your left foot at first, set yourself against the nearest furniture or tree.

Note: Do not despair if your attempts fail. Start again. In some days this posture is especially complicated to take. The blockages of the will to power realize through the unsteadiness of your body.

5. Stand still for a moment having joined your palms. Look straight ahead; make a few good inhalations and exhalations.

6. Do not disjoin your palms; lift your arms above your head so that they form an arch. Hold your breath for a few minutes. Exhale gently, return your palms to the level of your chest or slowly drop your arms. Put your right leg on the ground.

7. After you have made a few more inhalations and exhalations, repeat the series of postures 1-6 with the other leg.

Note: That posture allows many versions. Having lifted your arms above your head you can extend them and drop your head and shoulders backward. It is not necessary to lift your arms, cross them behind your back on the level of scapulas. Later we will turn to more complex versions.

8. Do the series of postures 1-11 from the second stage, then sit down stretching your legs out in front of you and straightening the trunk.

9. Being in a sitting position lift your arms as high as possible above your head. Then, making a deep exhalation and pulling your abdomen in, bend slowly. Take your toes with your hands. Holding them tightly pull yourself forward and while doing that try to touch your knees with your forehead (with time you will manage doing that). The main thing is to stretch the back muscles and especially the muscles of the spine. In a few seconds (that period will become longer as you practice the exercises) relax the abdomen and make a powerful but slow inhalation. Simultaneously straighten yourself and lift your relaxed arms.

10. Repeat the position 9 three times. Then lie down, arms at your sides, and rest. Breathe freely.

Note: For the first time and even much later you will fail even to move your face closer to your knees. Never mind. The main thing is the effort you are making. Watch your knees to be straight.

11. Relax. Lift you shins, thighs, and buttocks supporting them with your hands. (For the first time, perhaps, it will be convenient to use a thick hard pillow for support). Lift your legs even higher: the shins should be above your eyes or even further. Lift your pelvis once again if it is necessary. Your goal is to reach the feeling of balance and pleasure. Breathe naturally. Concentrate on the process of blood circulation. Follow your blood mentally; its way through the veins of your shins, thighs, and trunk is getting much easier in that posture. The posture relieves your heart substantially.

Note: You may stay in that posture for as long as you can.

12. Lower your pelvis and lay your legs on the ground. Stay lying for a few minutes; concentrate your thoughts upon breathing.