Steadiness and Ease

Sutra 2.46: sthira sukham asanam, "The posture of the body during the practice of contemplation and at other times, as also the posture of the mind (or attitude to life) should be firm and pleasant."
Steadiness and ease. For me, balance is having both symbiotically. It's what I loved most as a ballet dancer, and what continues to draw me to my yoga practice. The simultaneous feelings of strength and grace.
This week I enjoyed my first paddle board experience. In the beginning, I felt unsteady and insecure. A continuous wobble in my stance, and a firm grip of fear that was both physical and mental. "What's the worst that could happen?" I finally asked myself. I heard, felt, and then accepted numerous scenarios in my mind. And only then did I become steadier. I came into rhythm with my board, with the water. As the wind, passing boats, and even the exertion of my muscles tried to shake me, I was able to relax, to soften, to flow. At one with the nature of things; the nature of myself. Steadiness and ease.

*old post from July 2017