Sthira Sukham Asanam: The Heart of Yoga

The phrase “Sthira Sukham Asanam” means “a posture that is steady and comfortable.” This simple line highlights what makes yoga different from other forms of fitness. Yoga is about awareness and connecting to your body’s feelings and sensations. Yoga is a connection to yourself and to the universe. Once you establish this connection, you will feel the flow of this balance off the mat and into your interactions with people and your surroundings.

In yoga, we aim to find ease in our bodies while also building strength through discipline (tapas). Whether you’re sitting in a simple pose, feeling peaceful and blissful, or practicing a challenging posture that requires effort, both can be yoga if done with full awareness and connection to the body.

If you are engaged in your personal practice, it’s easy to get lost in thoughts. Staying connected and aware of what you are doing allows you to gain the maximum benefit from your practice. A yoga practice can be as short as five minutes or much longer, but what makes it truly yoga is the level of connection and awareness you bring to it.

As yoga teachers, it’s our responsibility to guide our students while giving them the space to explore their postures and deepen their self-connection. This balance of steadiness and ease in practice embodies the true essence of yoga.