7 days ago2 min read

Grounded and Growing: Onwards and Upwards

The sky on my walk, Montclair, NJ (Jan 2, 2025)

One of the heartful gifts of yoga and its sister science, ayurveda, is the ability to direct us to our own prana so that we learn to be with steadiness (sthira) and ease (sukha), in our seat (asanam) of life.

The start of the year is an invitation to begin practicing one simple thing that contributes to your overall well-being. It may take effort at first, but with steady attention, determination, and a smile, that thing becomes effortless and connects you to dwell in a good space.

Perfectly aligned in sutra 2.46, Chapter 2 - verse 46 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (a collection of 195-196 aphorisms of theory with practice) is to abide in a space of well-being. Sthira - “stand firm, strong, steadfast, courageous.” Sukha - “sky - space, joy, delightful, easeful, gentle, mild, and virtuous.” Asanam - “seat, grounded, dwelling, being present.”

Becoming established in this space is only possible when our prana, the life-force energy is healthy. To cultivate vital prana is a process in our daily lives - infused with a conscious and compassionate lifestyle, nourishment, and relationships that pave the way for a life of balance, growth, and spiritual insight.

Teaching yoga asana to Yale womens' golf team

In a yoga asana practice, grounding in asanam of presence and connection with steadiness and ease in a posture is the basis of developing good strength, structure, and stability of the mind and body. This sutra is also the source of valuable guidance for living in rhythm with our prana, our life force. Cultivating sthira and sukha as we move through the days and seasons of our lives establishes a foundation for fully realizing our aspirations, for accomplishing our goals, and for weathering the inevitable changes and challenges that come our way.