Take a tea break in Sukhasana
Beginning a yoga practice can at first seem daunting, something else to add to an already crazy busy life: get there, go somewhere else, do this, do that. We are pulled in different directions by forces that seem to be working constantly to challenge our purpose, our simply being. To counter that outward pull, perhaps think of your yoga practice as a way of returning to YOUR center rather than someone else’s. As one of the 8 limbs of yoga we practice physical postures (known as asana) to work though the layers that connect our spirits to the outer world.
In a world that is quite honestly obsessed with outward appearances, physical postures can appear daunting. Fit into cool yogi clothing? “I have nothing that matches”, “I’m not flexible” or “I have a back/knee/hip/wrist/shoulder injury”. My excuse? Yeah, I had great one, save that for another day…
Which leads us to our Easy Pose (in Sanskrit this is called Sukhasana), simply sit on the floor cross legged. Set the body then what? Move around, something does not feel right so you fix your clothing, check your hair, there goes the cell phone, now the dog wants to go out, etc. There goes that outward pull, it follows you EVERYWHERE. Give yourself permission to let go, really, let that stuff GO! Allow the senses to relax, settle in let the mind process the experience.
Where do I feel tightness/tension/pain? What is causing this? How can I help myself? The use of props can greatly help, blankets, bolsters, yoga blocks and a strap can all help to ease the burden of the body. Explore, ask your yoga instructor for help, maybe another practitioner. How can I make this pose easy? Below is a link to provide further insight and an option using props. Bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps may help you access this pose, especially nice for longer periods of meditation.
For me, Sukhasana is a way to assess a way to move inward. Like opening up Google maps, it captures a GPS location, you then set the destination as “home” and follow the route being give to you today. Each time the trip is easier, new roads to explore, how to avoid traffic jams, best times of the day to navigate the trip, and yes, there are always unexpected diversions!
Try it out, see what it means to you, set the pose, do what you need to, let go of what you do not need, calm the breath, clear the crazies out of the mind, set an intention for your practice and vibrate what you need. Embrace your Ease Pose.
Please Note: If this or any yoga pose caused direct pain, numbness or just does not feel right to you, please stop. Your yoga practice should never hurt, seek advice from a qualified instructor or a medical practitioner.