Vitarka bādhane pratipakṣa bhāvanam

Learning to build control, confidence and alignment in Sirsasana

Vitarka bādhane pratipakṣa bhāvanam वितर्कबाधने प्रतिपक्षभावनम्

Yoga Sūtra II.33 — Patañjali

When disturbed by negative thoughts, cultivate their opposites.

How does this apply to your asana practice?

When fear arises, what is the point in saying don't be afraid? Instead, work towards building confidence.

Take Sirsasana (headstand), for example. Rather than pushing past your fear, work through progressive stages. Build strength, develop stability, understand alignment, and allow confidence to grow. Practise with appropriate guidance and preparation to minimise the risk of injury.

Each step becomes an opportunity to replace fear with understanding and doubt with confidence.

Once you experience this process on your mat, you begin to recognise how it can be applied again and again — from Sirsasana to Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand), and beyond.

From your mat to your workplace. From your asana practice to your life.

It is about learning how to work with the mind.

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