Minimum Sun, Maximum Growth

A Three-Part Guide to Unshakable Sadhana in the Winter Low

By Axel Johansson
Reflections inspired by the teachings of Shree Shree Sunyogi Umasankar JI Maharaj JI

Read Part 1: Cycles
Part 2: Inner Resistance

How the Conditioned Mind Quietly Sabotages Practice (and How to Rise Above It)

During the Winter Low, the body moves more slowly, and so does the mind. Discipline begins to feel heavy. Not because the path has changed—but because resistance grows.
This is natural. Every genuine seeker meets it. The challenge is not to escape resistance, but to recognise it, patiently, and move through it with awareness.

When we begin to feel unmotivated or dull, it is not a failure of practice. It is the purification in motion.

The Whispers of the Conditioned Mind

The mind rarely opposes practice directly. It is far too clever for that.
Instead, it hides behind thoughts that sound wise, mature, even caring.

It says:
“Everyone seems tired today; one day won’t matter.”
“The atmosphere isn’t right.”
“I deserve rest; I’ll continue tomorrow.”
“I’m doing well already—this much is enough.”

Each thought feels harmless. Each one appears reasonable. Yet each carries the same quiet message: pause the rhythm.

Resistance does not shout—it whispers.
It says, “Be kind to yourself,” but often means, “Be less alert.”
It hides behind softness, yet slowly numbs the fire within.

“Everyone Is Relaxed Today; One Day Won’t Matter” — The Subtle Trap

When collective energy dips, group behaviour becomes permission.
If others slow down or miss practice, the conditioned mind quietly concludes: “Relaxation must be fine today.”

But Sadhana* is not collective imitation; it is individual awakening.
Discipline is not shaped by the group’s rhythm but by your own sincerity.

“One day won’t matter” is rarely one day.
It becomes two, then three.
Then it becomes a habit.
And restarting costs more energy than continuing ever would.

Even one day of sincerity in a low period preserves momentum.
Even one careless day weakens it.

So when the thought arises—“Everyone is relaxed today”—let that be your signal.
It means: This is your day to stand steady.
This is the hidden service of the sincere practitioner—lifting the collective low, silently.

One steady flame can raise a whole room.

The Hidden Workings of Resistance

Inner resistance rarely announces itself.
It works below awareness, like a slow current beneath quiet water.
It does not command—it suggests.
It does not stop practice—it dulls rhythm.

The danger lies in small permissions.
Skipping a few minutes. Delaying punctuality.
Each delay weakens clarity a little.
What was once firm becomes flexible; what was once sacred becomes optional.

This is how discipline fades—not by force, but by quiet agreement.

When Laziness Touches the Body

When resistance settles too long, the body begins to mirror the mind.
Posture weakens. Breath shortens.
Movement loses rhythm. The inner light feels distant.

Fatigue deepens.
The body feels tired but never rested, because what’s missing is energy, not sleep.
This is inner congestion, which sometimes manifests as illness.
The energy is getting lost where discipline has paused.

When you notice this, do not fight it in frustration.
Meet it gently, with awareness. Be conscious of your actions.
Even one mindful act breaks the chain.

We need to be active, not physically active; our awareness has to be active.

Every mindful act brings energy to what it focuses on.

Energy starts to flow in again.

A small renewal of rhythm starts the wheel turning.
As energy flows, clarity returns. The body wakes. Awareness brightens.
The darkness lifts—slowly, silently, like dawn.

Watchfullness Is Compassion

This is why alertness is true healthy self-love.
Genuine kindness is not in letting discipline fade, but in protecting it gently. Swamiji often calls it maintenance.

Do not wait for perfect conditions.
Do not compare with others.
Do not measure mood before practice.

Every moment has imperfections if you look for it (5Cs), but each moment is always sufficient (5Ps). It depends on how our mind is set up.

The Practitioner’s Compass

Inner Resistance in Daily Life

• Watch for whispers: “One day won’t matter.” “Everyone is relaxed today.”

• Remember: Sadhana* responds to consistency, not consensus.

• Resist the temptation of reasonable excuses; they are the mind’s most subtle disguise.

• Hold punctuality sacred. It anchors Praṇa* and steadies awareness.

• When heaviness comes, be proactive. 

Inner Resistance is not an enemy.
It is the mirror that reveals where attention must deepen.
Each time you rise above it, even slightly, you strengthen the roots of your practice.

The fire built-in resistance is the fire that will sustain you in the Light.
The wheel must keep turning.

Part 3 naturally follows from this foundation.

Notes

* Prana [प्राण] Vital life force, breath, energy sustaining life.
* Sadhana [साधना] Spiritual practice, discipline, means to a goal

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