Inside Yoga 231 (16/4/2018)

A long time ago, in a land when children’s programmes were only on for a few hours a day, there was a programme called Listen with Mother, which began with the question: “Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin…” The programme might have ended long ago, but the message is still relevant when it comes to your yoga practice, read on and find out why.

This week I will focus on the seated postures, forward bends and hip openers, and strange as it might seem but the reference made to Listen with Mother has a connection to yoga practice.
Although it might appear that the reason for yoga postures is that we have a good stretch and challenge our body, the prerequisite for any yoga posture, and this does include all the other postures and not just seated ones, is that we are comfortable in the position before we seek do anything like stretch and strengthen.
There is a principle called sthira and sukha which says that each postures needs to be approached with sthira and sukha being established and maintained. Sthira means steadiness and alertness, and sukha translates as being comfortable (and literally, happy). (For previous blog on sthira and sukha see https://www.yogabristol.co.uk/2011/03/03/inside-yoga-17/ )
Although we might want to stretch we still need to maintain these qualities in the position, so when I say above “are you sitting comfortably”? The point is that before attempting anything else, make sure you are comfortable. We will not be able to get into a posture effectively and successfully if we push ourselves so hard that we are unsteady and uncomfortable.
Being comfortable also means the conditions are much better for us to sharpen our awareness of the present moment, because if we are not paying attention it is hard enough, but even worse if at the same time we are forcing ourselves uncomfortably.
For example, when I see someone sitting uncomfortably trying to do something with the posture that is clearly not working, the first thing I ask them to do is to stop and start again. If it’s a seated posture, first, I ask them to sit comfortably then we try to posture, or when standing I ask them to position their feet so that they can stand in a stable manner.
This sounds obvious I concede but it is amazing how we forget what we are doing when our mind is fixed on trying to get somewhere else. In terms of yoga asanas (postures) always think where the position is starting/moving from not where you want to get to.
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