07/25/2025
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Self-Compassion. Whew.
Some days, it’s within reach. Other times, it feels impossible to find—let alone hold onto.
✨One of my favorite themes to explore, both in yoga classes and 1:1 yoga therapy, is the concept of sukha and sthira—ease and effort.
🧍🏽♀️Take a simple pose like Tadasana (Mountain Pose): we engage effort to stand tall and support our posture. Once the shape is established, we soften through breath. Easy enough, right?
🧠But what if we applied these principles to the mind and heart? That’s a little trickier.
💪🏼Effort (sthira) drives productivity. But when productivity is overemphasized, we lose sight of ease (sukha).
🗣️The way we speak to ourselves can be a beautiful place to practice this balance.
So how do we begin?
✨Try this:
🤫Find a quiet space.
🧘🏾♂️Sit in a way that feels both comfortable and alert.
⏰Set a timer for 4–6 minutes.
🙈Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
🌬️Notice your posture and breath—aim for equal-length inhales and exhales.
✨ That’s it.
When the timer goes off, gently observe: what are you coming back from?
No one’s mind is a perfectly clean whiteboard—that’s not even the goal.
So, what is the goal? For today: balance.
When your mind charges toward the to-do list like a toddler demanding more cookies—just notice it. Maybe even say, “Ah, my mind really wants me to be productive right now!”
No need to shut it off. No magical switch here. Just awareness—and maybe, a little more ease.
Humor helps. Try: “There goes my toddler brain again, lol.”
To quote the late, brilliant poet Andrea Gibson:
“Beating yourself up is never a fair fight.”
As you explore this balance of effort and ease, be kind to yourself. If you find yourself leaning heavily in one direction, it’s not failure—it’s a pattern. A pattern that’s likely helped you stay safe. Maybe it’s time to update that pattern.
Support helps. If group classes feel right, join me Fridays at 5:30pm .
Prefer a more personal approach? Visit www.bethgrannan.com to learn about yoga therapy and book a free 15-minute call.
Take it easy on yourself. You’re not alone. We got this.
