Our perception about ourselves and the people around us guides our decisions in life. If we perceive that our family needs our support, we work hard towards providing whatever help we can; in the same way, the shoulders work to support the neck in Sirsasana. In the process, we might overburden ourselves and our loved ones, just like many of us scrunch our neck and hurt it. We need to step back and intelligently observe and reflect on our perception, so that we do not saddle our loved ones and give them the space needed.
Similarly, we need to connect to our body and use our intelligence to guide our perception about our body. Our intelligent perception of the thighs and the extension of both legs must be used in Ek Pada Sirsasana for the desired effect. This intelligence is necessary in Virabhadrasana 2, Parsvakonasana, and Parsvottanasana before reaching Sirsasana. We should learn to connect to our outer, inner, front and back leg, right from all the above standing poses. Through consistent practice of these standing poses , the imprint of this perception will reach the mind. Then can we progress towards an advanced pose like Eka Pada Sirsasana. This needs patience and perseverance.
Patanjali advises us to work towards purity of the mind, free from fluctuations. Early in the morning, while having a cup of tea and watching the sunrise, we experience a certain quietude of mind. This is the tranquil mind which is free from any fluctuations and perceptions. Usually, our mind is fluctuating in varying degrees and magnitude, depending upon our changing perceptions about our identity. We do not have an inherent identity, but we perceive it to be so. So, isn’t it better to perceive the identity of a tranquil mind rather than a fluctuating one? Using our perception in the right direction is the key to success in advanced asanas and in life