Sthira Sukham Asanam: The Balance Between Effort & Ease

Do you ever find yourself in class grasping for breath while going deeper and deeper into a posture?

When I think of this my mind instantly jumps to Bound Side Angle. It's accessible for sure but unless you're naturally blessed with long arms, you'll likely be leaning into more effort than ease.. And this is where Sthira Sukham Asananam comes in. It's one of the most quoted lines of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, but what does it actually mean?

First let's break it down and get geeky with the Sanskrit 🧑‍🎓

"Sthira" translates as steady, stable or still. In practice it's seen through correct alignment and grounding down to create a solid base. Without it we become unsteady, leading the mind to wander and struggle.

"Sukha" is the embodiment of ease whilst in a posture. This is accessed by shifting focus to the breath and using it to investigate what's happening in the shape. The importance of sukha is to acknowledge our limitations and respect the body's signals to move with compassion rather than force.

"Asanam" or "asana" translates to "posture" or "seat." In the Yoga Sutras this was originally intended to be a seated position for meditation practice. But modern interpretations have extended it to all the different types of yoga postures.

When we put it all together, Sthira Sukham Asanam guides a balanced approach to practice where we find the sweet spot between effort and ease in each posture.

To embody this concept in the dynamic and flowing style of Vinyasa Yoga is to truly foster a sense of self-awareness in practice. Giving attention to alignment, engagement and foundation, while avoiding unnecessary tension or strain. It reminds us that the practice should not be forced. Rather, it's a joyful, flowing experience where the breath remains unhindered. Visually it's a steady and comfortable practice, guided by an effortless inhale and exhale. A balance between effort and ease.

But it doesn't end when your practice is over!

If anything, it's even more important as you step off the mat. Our modern lifestyle is demanding and it's easy to feel trapped in a cycle of ambition, stress, burn out, recovery. By embracing sthira and sukha in everyday life we can foster a sense of self-awareness that extends well beyond our mat.

Sthira in life is the fire. It's the drive to succeed, to reach goals, to work harder, to keep going - the hustle! Sukha reminds us to pause. To savour the moment, release attachment to outcomes and foster an attitude of acceptance and gratitude. In a world that glorifies achievement and external validation above almost all else, sukha offers a counter-narrative to materialistic fulfilment. It reminds us that happiness doesn't hang on external circumstances, but rather, it's a state of being that comes from within.

Life naturally presents as a pendulum swinging back and forth between opposing forces. We're always in a state of flux. So aspiring to find the balance of effort and ease in life requires us to first acknowledge which state we're currently in and whether that's truly serving us. There are times where we have no choice but to put in effort, work hard and push forward. Just like there are times where life forces us to rest, let go and pause. Being aware of the state you're in will help guide the pendulum where it needs to go, before life takes over and abruptly does it for you.

Learning to weave sthira and sukha into every day life enhances the experience and helps create space to understand who you are and where you're currently heading.

I want to leave you with a journal prompt to reflect on. This is a great way to incorporate Sthira Sukha Asanam into your practice and daily life. As you reflect each morning, or evening, ask yourself,

What are some ways today that I practiced (or will practice) sthira and sukha?

♡