In the classic text of yogic philosophy, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra book 2.46-48 it states:
“The posture of yoga is steady and easy. It is realized by relaxing one’s effort and resting like the cosmic serpent in the waters of infinity.Then one is unconstrained by opposing dualities.”
(Yoga Discipline of Freedom: The Yoga Sutra Attributed to Patanjali, translated by Barbara Stoler Miller)
I really love that image that Patanjali uses about the cosmic serpent, Ananta, or “the infinite,” resting afloat on a sea of milk, I imagine feeding on honey, and receiving a foot massage… it’s so luscious!
In their Yoga International article on these Sutras, Robert Svoboda & Scott Blossom explain that they are: “More literally translated as ‘resolutely abide in good space.’”They go on to define the Sanskrit terms: “The yoga term sukha means happy, good, joyful, delightful, easy, agreeable, gentle, mild, and virtuous... Sthira can mean ‘firm, compact, strong, steadfast, static, resolute, and courageous.”
(https://yogainternational.com/article/view/sthira-and-sukha-steadiness-and-ease/ )
Doesn’t coming from that space sound like a great way to approach life’s challenges?
As a teacher and coach, I have seen that a space of physical and intellectual safety is required for optimal learning. I work to build an anti-bias community, expand access to learning, and support students and clients in self-awareness, with a strong sense of identity, respect for others, and justice.
Let’s ask ourselves today:
Thanks for joining me in “resolutely abiding in good space” today!
To learn more about my dance education, yoga, and coaching offerings and lots of free content and tools, head on over to my website at ablythecoach.com and subscribe to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel!
