with Robyn Regula
The two qualities of sthira and sukha are essential to a yoga practice. Without these two attributes there is no yoga. Yoga is a state of union… mind, body and spirit. Without sthira and sukha, asana practice (physical postures) will remain relegated to the realm of calisthenics, stretching, exercise. There is nothing wrong with exercise. Exercise is fantastic. And we want more. More “bang for our buck” as the saying goes.
If you have been to a yoga class you might have been involved with chanting the sound Om. When a group of people chant this sound and all the voices find a resonance together a beautiful feeling is created. The benefits of chanting come through participation because it is something that has to be experienced to be understood. However, you may be wondering what this word is all about and why it is chanted so often, before you feel comfortable belting it out in a yoga class.
Yoga is a journey. It is not an outward adventure like it may appear, as you see yogis practicing backbends in mid-air gracefully touching their pointed feet to the top of their head as they balance, a bit precariously, on their forearms. In actuality, it is an inward exploration. And just like any trip you would take it is helpful to know where you are headed