October Pose of the Month

In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, sutra 2.46 reads…

Sthira-sukham asanam

This sutra translated means that our posture, our seat with the Earth should be both stable (sthira) and comfortable (sukha). We may think of our seat as the postures in our asana practice or our seat for meditation practice. However, it can also be taken on a deeper level as a philosophy to live by.

Sthira means “firm, steady, strong, courageous.” It comes from the root word stha which means, “to stand, to be firm.”

Sukha means “happy, good, joyful, or easy.” It literally means, “good space” (root words su (good) and kha (space).

The word asana means “seat.” Originally the only posture in yoga was a comfortable seat, which was taken for long periods of time for meditation. In modern days we know asana to mean the postures we practice when we go to a yoga class.

“Asana” is a very thought-provoking term, since thinking of each posture as a place to find the meditative “seat” or state of mind brings the practice away from just the physical movement and begins the journey of the mind looking inward.

- Sabrina Wong

In our asana practice, “sthira sukham asanam” means that when we come into a pose we’re mindfully trying to find that sweet spot, that balance between strength and ease. Coming into the pose to the appropriate depth for our body in that given moment- so that we feel at ease, can breathe easily, and connect to our practice joyfully. Furthermore, physically being able to hold our body in the pose with the strength needed to stay there for the given period of time and engaging the muscles so that they are free of tension and strain. Most significantly, a strong mind-body connection so that we can cultivate the internal strength and awareness needed to keep our mind calm… to connect to your “seat”.

When we apply this to life of yoga off the mat, we can strive to cultivate the qualities of steadiness and ease in all that we do. We try to live in a good space. By doing so we will find it easier to connect to our intentions and to free ourselves from suffering. Additionally, we can flow through life in a good space with the relationship we have with ourselves and others. We learn to be more patient and peaceful with others, and with that comes stability and joy.

How does your “seat” with the Earth feel- physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally? What can you do to make it feel lighter and joyful?

Our pose of the month for October is Baddha Konasana (BAH-dah cone-AHS-anna).

Baddha- Bound

Kona- Angle

Asana- Pose

In Bound Angle pose we come to a comfortable seat and bound our feet together by bringing the soles of the feet to meet. Then we focus more on our seat, our connection with the Earth. Rooting down evenly at the fronts of the sitting bones we make a strong connection with the Earth and send that strong, easy, and joyful energy into the hips and upward through the spine. We may physically (adding a fold in the pose) and energetically extend out through the crown of the head into the universe. The pose helps to connect you to both the qualities of sthira and sukha, as it is a hip strengthener and opener
[Read below for some of the other physical and energetic benefits of this pose.]

There are many variations of Baddha Konasana to play around with, like the restorative variation- Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle pose). Baddha Konasana truly is a feel good pose that anyone and everyone can find ease and joy in when one finds the variation that works best for them.

Come to class this month to practice Baddha Konasana with us and to practice connecting to the qualities of sthira sukham asanam, so that you can live with ease and joy and share that joy with others.

To practice Baddha Konasana at home follow the steps below:

  • Sit on floor or blanket at the front of the sitting bones, bring heels together, knees wide.

  • Hold ankles, arches or toes.

  • Axial extension of the spine.

  • Hinge forward from hip creases, while actively extending the spine.

  • Press heels together and peel balls of feet apart.

  • Keep elbows pulling in toward sides of body, with the chest broad.

  • Keep the back of the neck long and in line with the spine. 

Physical Benefits:

  • Stretches the inner thighs, groins and knees

  • Stimulates abdominal organs, ovaries, prostate gland and bladder

  • Helps reduces menstrual symptoms and discomfort

  • Soothes sciatica pain

Energetic Benefits:

  • Stimulates the heart and improves circulation

  • Massages internal organs and improves digestive circulation.

  • Helps relieve mild depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Namaste <3

Carrie Klausposeofthemonth, baddhakonasana, boundanglepose, cobblerspose, soINyoga, innerspringyoga