Sthira and Sukha

Rhythm

In life, we need to find our rhythm and balance as without it, we fall ill, tired, stressed and unwell.

Yes we may need to carry through during the tough times, but we get to a point at some stage when the body calls time out, such as a simple cold, the body needs attention, we are out of balance with our bio-rhythms and need to sit back and take time for us.

Sthira Sukham Asanam

Patanjali’s Sutra 2.46 talks about a steadiness and an ease in posture, whether it was initially about our posture in meditation (as Patanjali was interested in Samadhi – meditative absorption) with a steadiness and ease in the sitting and then a softness and openness to receive in meditation without a dullness and unreceptive nature!

Sthira
to be stable, firm, strong without tensions, capable, resolute, courageous and steady

Sukham
happy, good, joyful, agreeable, spacious, mild, ease
Su = good
Kha = space

Asana – stems from the root ‘as’ – the act of sitting, abiding, dwelling, inhabiting.

In the practice of asana, on the mat…

As we most tangibly work with our physical body firstly in yoga, it’s perhaps easy to notice and cultivate this practice when we’re on our mats…

Strength without Tension
Gentleness without Dullness

During class this week, can we be in each pose and feel if we are steady, balanced, firm, stable and at the same time receptive to the softness of the breaths, the energy in our bodies, the feelings of being aware and alive in the pose.

• Are we awake, are we alive to the moment, or have we wandered off to dullness and mindlessness.
• Can the muscles be alive,
• Can the breaths be steady calm and balanced,
• Is our mind attentive to this moment,
• Are we awake to the moment?

Is this the challenge for us in all that we do in life? What happens on the mat, happens in everyday life. Perhaps this is a start to remembering to be present in each moment, and reconnect to the moment and find the bliss and harmony in the moment.