The nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation governing the evolution of the complex envelope in the slowly varying envelope approximation is solved using the variational approach. The basic nonlinear phenomena of relativistic and ponderomotive self-focusing in a plasma channel are taken into account. Self-focusing, self-phase modulation as well as self-trapping of laser beam is studied in a variety of situations. Further, in the absence of dissipation mechanisms, the stability of the beam is also studied.
