There is a concept in Yoga called Sthira-Sukham-Asanam and it translates as steady, ease/joyfullness, asana (earth, presence of mind). It comes from the Yoga sutra: “One’s connection to the earth (asana) is steady (sthira) and joyful (sukham)" (ekhartyoga.com) Patanjali, and the ancient Yogis intended for Yoga to follow this principle. The practitioner follows a practice that produces a balance between effort and ease, and allows for steadiness of mind, body, and spirit. Somewhere in mainstream Yoga, and in our daily lives, it has been lost. We are been conditioned to believe that the faster we move, the harder we work, and the more we shove into our day, our to-do lists, and yes even in our Yoga practice, the better the outcome. The result is, collective stress levels higher then they have ever been
Read moreWhat is Yoga, really?
As my own practice and teaching changes and evolves, I feel a sense of responsibility to share "true yoga". I have been traveling the country to soak up the knowledge of teachers who have served as monks and swamis, who have without a hesitation committed themselves to silent retreats annually, and who are sharing and practicing what they know based on a lifetime of dedication and practice. Aside from that, I have sat side by side by amazing Yoga students and teachers who are like myself, learning, evolving and hoping to share the side of Yoga that our communities can truly benefit from, but perhaps just don't know it yet. Therefore, I would like to take a moment to thank my amazing teachers, and cohorts, for helping to guide the way.
So what is there to gain in Yoga other then flexibility, stamina, strength, and a "yoga body"? Enlightenment is available to those who seek it. However the psycho-emotional and mental benefits of a Yoga practice are more accessible then one may think. Most of us have already felt a sense of stress relief in our own unique way after attending Yoga class. Some seek to go a little further, and others are not yet sure how.
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