Sthira Sukha, a Balance of Strong and Supple.

In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, there is reference to the state of Sthira Sukha Asanam. It means in posture, one should be steady and comfortable. Although, I have found that this concept applies in many ways beyond the mat in life at large.

Sthira to me means steady, unchanging, focused, present, fortified, resilient. Sukha means supple, soft, calm, easy and relaxed. Imagine a balance of these two poles in every aspect of your being.

In the heart of strength and serious nature, can there be a touch of softness, of gentle surrender? And inversely, in the heart of silliness or sweetness, can there be a firm and unchanging strength? Therefore, in business and pleasure, social and official matters, no matter the nature of the relationship, there should be some balance of these two opposite forces. Ever notice how a joke can lighten a serious meeting? Or how when a classroom of children gets silly, a serious tone can balance things out? Yet when there is a business meeting void of gentle humor, the tension is palpable. And, in the event  school children get out of control in their tom-foolery, no amount of yelling or firmness can bring the back.

Balance is key to equilibrium and natural flow. Without the sea-saw dance of Sthira Sukha, the balance beam smashes to the earth in stead of the intended gentle bouncing around the center. Of course, without having experienced imbalance, there'd be little appreciation for balance and thus Sthira Sukha is a process and a practice rather than a given.

Just like all the skills possessed by individuals, the skill of balance is learned by repetition. Of course, some are predisposed to be more or less neutral and centered, and for those individuals this process may be more obvious and accessible. For others, this practice will come as more of a challenge. Yet, in the discipline and dedication to the practice of Sthira Sukha, even the  individuals less inclined for balance will move from frustration to confidence with right attitude.

Awareness of one's own imbalance can inform the individual. Upon recognition and acceptance of the off-centered state, there is an intimate investigation into the mind to see without judgement what is "off." Then, by not identifying with the imbalance and in so doing, not creating one's self as the cause or problem, transformation and movement toward balance can ensue. Please do not misinterpret that to mean that one is not accountable for his or her thoughts, words, actions and character. On the contrary, by cultivating self-awareness, individuals take ownership of these, and without judgement and self-criticism can shift toward a kinder self in more-balanced state.

Please notice in your own daily life where softening may support a better balance and in the same spirit, where staying strong may do the same. Please comment and let me know how this practice is evolving as you grow and live. :)