Stability and Flexibility

Yesterday was so windy and I found myself in awe of the large trees out my back window, standing strong while flowing freely as the gusts of wind blew them to bend and arch. Which reminded me of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 2.49 of Sthira Sukhamāsanam “Āsana is a steady, comfortable posture”. On the mat we practice finding strength and stability while also looking for flexibility, ease and release of tension. The balance of the two make for a sturdy structure that is able to also be soft. Off the mat I try to apply this theory into practice with my relationships, my parenting and my self talk. It is so important to be disciplined, but also we must go with the flow. If too disciplined we become rigid and hard. If we are too flexible we won’t accomplish what we hope to. A bridge must be strong enough to carry us from one side to the other but, it must also have the ability to sway and bend otherwise it would just snap. Again, the physical practice of asana “postures” is an opportunity to practice skills that aid us in life.

I just love this message because it reminds me to make sure to add play and joy into everyday life, to soften where I can.