Sthira Sukham (Steadiness & Ease - Balance)

As with most of my practices, blogs and reflections, I find myself exploring the theme of balance. 

Physically being able to ‘balance’ requires strength, but also adaptability. 

We are never actually still; balancing is a series of many, many micro-adjustments to maintain a ‘sense of balance’. 

When are we really balancing? 

Is it the many small moments of balance that add up?

Or is it the practice of balancing that gives us a ‘sense of balance’.

The wobble, then stabilising, the fall, but getting back up?

There is a need for presence and spatial awareness.

The feeling of our feet spread and anchored on the earth, ‘rooting to rise’ as our spines extend skyward. Core muscles stabilise our fire centre. Arms, perhaps reaching wide, or upward towards the sun. Breath, lifting yet anchoring.

Settling into a steady rhythm as we surrender our pride to the moment, the movements and the adjustments. 

The subtlety of holding on and letting go, with moments of stillness and adjustment, maintains a ‘sense of balance’. This requires a willingness to meet each moment as it is.

Balance is not just something we practise in our bodies; it’s something we can explore more subtly in our connection to others and to the world around us. What unfolds around us is often reflected within us.

The weather brought its own lessons this morning, an invitation to meet the moment with grace and willingness. 

Sitting here writing this, I am listening to the rain and wind outside, a sense of coolness in the house, despite my woolly jumper……it's June. 

It is crazy that I’m in my warmer clothes after the recent heatwave, and yet it is comforting, and it feels just what I need today. I welcome it.

Sitting on my meditation cushion, I opened my eyes after my practice and enjoyed watching the reflection of the branches being blown about in a small puddle on the patio. Interrupted by the concentric circles appearing and disappearing, again and again, as raindrops fell. 

I considered why this felt so soothing, compared to watching the actual tree being blown about. It was a sense of withdrawal, the same sense that the cold weather permitted. A slowing down and pulling back from the energy of summer. 

Not a sense that ‘I'm done with summer, bring on autumn’, but a little moment of stillness. A moment of adjustment, to keep me from burning out. 

Watching the actual trees outside meant also seeing the jobs in the garden, the neighbour’s rooftops, the other trees, the clouds, the sky… too much to see.

A metaphor for summer energy, with all the commitments I’ve made, feeling a lot.

Watching the actual tree or participating as normal would evoke a similar sense of overwhelm. 

Just focusing on the reflection in the small puddle gave me a smaller, fixed area to watch from. Fully connected to the present moment, albeit with a slight sense of detachment.

Only a couple of weeks ago, we were dancing barefoot in a festival field, soaking up the sun and good vibes, feeling blissfully connected to the energy of summer. Connecting to the happy energy of the hundreds of people around us.

Today is just a little adjustment needed to find balance.

We can feel nature's rhythms, attuned to that energy. And in remembering this, we see that balance is not something we arrive at — it’s cyclical, shifting, always in flux.

And then, just like that, the sunshine returns — light, warmth, energy. 

This morning’s sunshine, and participation in life, was uplifting, nourishing, inspiring and joyful. 

Feeling the warm sunlight on my skin, the coolness of the river as I slowly breathed. Watching the swifts dart in the blue sky, and the ripple of golden light reflected on the green rushes. 

What a way to build on the ‘retreating energy’ of yesterday. 

Perhaps that's why the colour yellow has been calling me so strongly, a reminder of the energising, nourishing, uplifting energy of summer, and the joy that comes from a simple willingness to be fully present with each moment. 

Over the last couple of weeks the colour yellow has been catching my eye, capturing my heart and energy. 

I’ve doubted myself, thinking maybe it’s just that the yellow flowers are more abundant than others at this time of year!  Which, of course, isn’t necessarily true. 

Opening my gaze to what is all around, there are, of course, many different beautiful colours appearing at the moment. The abundance of roses in pinks and oranges, foxgloves appearing in purples and pinks, not to mention the lavender and of course the striking red of poppies popping up.

I strolled around some art galleries in Lavenham with a friend yesterday morning. The first gallery we walked into, directly opposite us as we entered, was a large acrylic painting that was big, bold and unapologetically YELLOW. Almost like something was reminding me not to doubt myself!

Yellow captures the energy of the sun, of summer; cheerful, energetic, positive and energising.

The symbolism of the yellow flowers I have encountered this week echoes that energy.  These beautiful yellow flowers align with solar energy, symbolising vitality, joy, happiness, the promise of new beginnings and the hope that comes with each fresh start. 

 Flowers that symbolise the sweetness of friendship, connection and the invitation to embrace the small, simple moments. 

Summer, sunshine and the colour yellow are associated with the ability to lift one’s spirits.

Perhaps the most profound flower meaning I have encountered this week is the Yellow Pond Lily. I am naturally drawn to water, which in itself is soothing and nourishing in summer, but being eye level with these beautiful, radiant yellow flowers, knowing they are rooted deeply in the muddy river bed, is inspiring.

In various cultures, the yellow lily has symbolised enlightenment due to its ability to rise above the water and bloom beautifully, often seen as a metaphor for overcoming difficulties and achieving clarity.

These flowers feel like small messengers of the season — carrying the same wisdom that summer itself offers: rise, open, shine, and share what you’ve grown.

As we approach the Summer Solstice, the peak of the season, nature invites us to pause and honour the journey that has unfolded so far. The seeds offered in autumn, held quietly through winter and nurtured in spring, now blossom into their fullest expression. This is the moment the flowers share their golden pollen and rich nectar with the bees — ensuring next year’s blooms.

We can reflect on our own inner cycles in the same way: what has germinated, what has grown, what is ready to be shared.

Attuned to that energy and this opportunity to pause, we can make some microadjustments to ensure that the next cycle unfolds in a balanced way.

Ayurveda recognises the cyclical, shifting flux of nature's rhythms and offers us a system of practices and adjustments that maintain a sense of balance in our bodies and our lives.

We all have a certain combination of all the elements within our constitution, individually that combination will usually have one or two elements that are ‘dominant’. 

These are characterised by the doshas. Pitta constitutions are characterised by fire and water qualities being dominant. Each season also aligns with the different doshas - summer is Pitta season.

The pitta dosha embodies the principles of passion and metabolism and is brimming with vitality. Its primary activity within the body and mind is that of transformation, the force for all metabolic activity. - Pukka herbs

Therefore during Pitta season (summer) those with naturally low pitta elements may find they benefit from the pitta season, elevating those qualities. Those who have a natural dominance of pitta energy can find that it moves them into excess during summer.

When pitta is in a balanced state, it offers positive, beneficial energy such as focus, passion, energy, confidence and sharp clarity. However, when it is in excess, it can lead to physical imbalances such as acid reflux, heartburn, or ulcers, joint inflammation or feeling physically overheated and flushed.

Mentally and emotionally, pitta imbalance often leads to increased irritability, impatience, or frustration, perfectionism and overly high standards for self and others or burnout from pushing too hard or working excessively.

Walking this week before the cold, damp weather set in, some exposed roots caught my attention.

The path between the field and the park is dusty and dry. These roots are more prominent than I remember. The dry earth around them had been worn away, nothing to hold them together to prevent more of the roots from being exposed. I couldn’t figure out exactly which shrub or tree they belonged to, which in itself seemed a strange thing to need to know. They belong in the earth, mingling with other roots, mycelium, moisture and earthy creatures; they looked out of place exposed so harshly.

I’m sure they welcomed the cool moisture of yesterday's rain, welcoming that nourishing water to restore a bit of balance somehow.

Roots are what provide stability and balance; they are also vulnerable to the shifting seasons and environmental changes. These roots, were more exposed due to the lack of rain so far this year, but also due to the number of people and animals walking this path.

I had the privilege of encountering a tree that literally took my breath away this week, one whose roots must be very strong and deeply rooted.

This beautiful Lime/Linden tree (Tilliea europea) looked the same as all the others at first glance, it was only as I got nearer and walked around it that I realised how extraordinary she was, how she is still standing, let alone still has a full canopy of leaves and bracts - the ultimate ‘example of balance!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/88f77c_51fe153b89d3462892a1f512b908ef5e/file

My practice is deeply rooted in a connection to the natural world, balancing my busy mind with listening deeply to what is around me.

When I sit to write these blogs, they are in some way a cathartic process for me, a way to ground my thoughts, to make sense of what I’m feeling and noticing.

Nevertheless, they need to be relevant to our practice, and resonate with you in some way as you read.

It's a fine balance, one that takes many, many micro-adjustments as I write, edit and add photos before sending out to you all.

I hope some of this has resonated with you, and for those of you who practice with me, I hope you find these musings relevant!

Wishing you steadiness and ease as we journey through the peak of this beautiful, vibrant season.

Om shanti

🙏

Sophia

Postscript:

Patanjali’s Sutra, "Sthira Sukham Asanam" (Yoga Sutra 2.46), explains that the ideal posture combines both stability and comfort. It is often interpreted as a balance between effort and ease. Beyond the yoga practice, the principle of sthira and sukha encourages a life of balance and harmony. www.yogabasics.com

The Sanskrit Word for Balanced: Unveiling the Perfect Equilibrium

In the Sanskrit language, the term for balance is “Sama,” which signifies equilibrium, steadiness, and harmony. It represents the state of finding perfect balance in body, mind, and spirit. Sama is not limited to physical balance but also refers to emotional stability, mental clarity, and a harmonious connection with the inner self. - https://www.a4fitness.com/about-us/