Sthira Sukham Asanam and Gratitude

Some thoughts on steadiness and gratitude from our own Soozie, in honor of the holiday this week where we focus on being grateful for all we have:

Sthira is a steadiness that happens from continuous practice. It begins with mental focus, an ability to keep one's attention in a steady, uninterrupted stream. We develop this steadiness by learning how to connect the mind's focus into the fine, detailed alignment of the body, building an awareness in where the body is placed and knowing how to adjust and correct the body to build a stronger form in a yoga asana. Sthira also develops with the steady attention to the breath. Learning not only to breath urjayi in a balanced manner, but to direct the breath into the body, through the focus of the mind.This mind, body, breath relationship creates a solid foundation of sthira. 

How does this apply to life? 

Steadiness means that there is a stability present.  What areas of your life need more sthira? Work, practice, diet, sleep? 

Steadiness can also be that place where you are less effected by the constantly changing external circumstance. Allowing the yoga to cultivate stability and focus so you are more like a tree rather than a breeze. Our steadiness arises from a direct connection to the earth. Your asana, your home, your life is built from the earth up so we can appreciate the earth every time we contemplate sthira and practice.  

Sukham is a sweetness or joy. When we have practiced consistently, with sincerity, there is a natural sweet spot that exists in every pose. Some call it "the zone". When you find this sweetness, things become effortless. Whether it is your yoga asana or your job, your relationship, your diet, sukham can arise from an appreciation for the sweetness and beauty that exists in life, that exists in you. 

Sthira and sukham establish a steady yet joyful connection to the earth, in whatever seat you take. Whether your seat or role is a teacher, a parent, a boss, etc., it can be steady and sweet. Although this role is temporary, it is important to appreciate the role, this seat, this earth that you have. When sthira and sukham are present you do what you do for the sake of doing it, not for the money, the fame or the goal. Seems unrealistic? That's why consistent practice is important! 

Give thanks and appreciation whenever your attention remembers to. Appreciate the earth that holds your asana, your home. Appreciate all that you have and all that you are. Appreciate and give thanks for others, human and creatures. It's not easy but practice makes perfect, and you are practicing perfection.

Shanti OM,

Soozie 

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