| The word, sthira, means
more
than just firm. It translates as
stable, resolute, changeless.
Sthira speaks not only of challenge,
strength, endurance and fortitude
but also vigilance, the ability to be
pay attention, to be present. It
is the opposite of agitation and
refers to both physical and mental
stillness: a controlled, fully engaged
body and a focused mind.
Sukha translates
as
pleasurable, joyful, agreeable,
easy, comfortable, happy,
prosperous, relaxed. It is the
opposite of discomfort, suffering or
pain (duhkha). Here we bring
in the principles non-violence and
self acceptance. We nurture
ourselves by doing something that
feels
good.
The actual
translation
of asana is seat or camp,
and can refer to a way of sitting, a
hatha yoga posture, a place or a
situation. Traditionally, the word
is
linked to the seated position
itself, or to a posture or series of
postures that prepare the body for
seated meditation. In the more
expanded view of yoga, asana occurs
not just on the yoga mat or
meditation cushion, but is the
foundation from which we act in
daily
life. Interestingly, the root (as)
speaks of being present in
one's body -- existing, inhabiting
and living fully in it.
In
practicing asana,
we create a ritual of entering and
holding the posture without
interruption for a period of time,
being fully present with all the
details, sensations, and experiences
that occur in the body/mind. We
compliment the qualities of
engagement with letting go. We find
a
balance between tension and
relaxation, a balance between effort
and
ease that feels delicious and
challenging at the same time. Sthira
and
sukha form a state of equilibrium (satva)
that is without
agitation (rajas) or inertia
(tamas). T.K.V. Desikachar
says, "It is attention without
tension, loosening-up without
slackness"
Most
students will
need to emphasize one or another of
these qualities, depending their
personality type. Over-achievers
need reminders to relax and be enjoy
the experience. Those who tend to be
lethargic or half-hearted need
encouragement to work at their edge.
Those who lack focus need
reminders to stay present. Students
with limitations need support in
creating modifications and working
at a gentle level that's still
challenging.
|
We all know that
unpleasant emotions and painful
memories can bubble up and out during
yoga practice. This is the feeling of
pain being released, and the
result of that release is a greater
sense of joy, relief or openness.
Even so, there must be balance or
moderation in intensity of the
catharsis. A respect for the emotional
limits. A challenge to the
psyche within a safe zone of comfort.
More often
the kind of
pain I see in my classes is
reflected in the facial expressions
of
students who work so hard at
performing an asana that they look
as if
they are inflicting punishment upon
themselves. At this observation, I
might remind the whole class of the
qualities of sthira and sukha, and
pose the question, "Are you happy in
this posture?" For some students
the most challenging asana is the
posture of letting go.
Another kind
of
discomfort is boredom. We've all
experienced either the apathy or the
agitation of yoga classes that
lacked the challenge we felt we
needed.
How can we as teachers create an
environment so engaging that
students
leave satisfied, fulfilled? How do
we respond to boredom when we sense
it in some of our students.
As yoga
teachers are
we ourselves moving through our
classes in that state of sthira
sukham asanam? Are we fully
engaged, fully present, vigilant.
Are
we relaxed and enjoying the
experience? I find that when I am
present
with my students everything else
falls into place, creating a
satisfying experience both for them
and for myself. When I am trying to
accomplish something or show up a
particular way I often create
discomfort or duhkha.
Personally, I tend to be an
excessive
planner, but if I allow my plans to
run my yoga class, I may loose the
richness of the moment. When I lead
a posture or series of postures
that I've led hundreds of times I
can go on automatic pilot and give
all the proper details, or I can
challenge myself by responding to
what
I see on the mat, living in the
experience with my students.
Asana is not
just an
externally codified position. It is a
subjective experience that allows
us to explore and discover the nuances
of body, mind and spirit,
bringing all parts of our self into
harmonious balance. Yoga does not
impose a form upon us, but allows us
to discover our Self through a
form. In life, asana firmly settles us
because of these two
complementary qualities: firmness in
directing our actions and softness
in expressing them. |
