Yoga

“Nunca sabes lo fuerte que eres, hasta que ser fuerte es la única opción” – Bob Marley

Seeking balance can be a fickle thing, and finding the right time to tap into our power to move forward versus surrendering and letting go can be challenging. The concept of yin and yang dates from the third century BCE in Chinese philosophy and is the idea that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites that attract and complement each other.

We all have a well of inner strength and power available to us. At times, it is easy to feel at mercy to life’s circumstances and can feel difficult to access this innate resilience and inner power during challenges. Fortunately, there are practices and rituals that can help us stay centered and stoke this inner fire, so you stay grounded and steady amidst life’s changing tides. This yoga sequence is designed to help you tap into your inner well of strength so you can confidently move forward no matter what life throws your way.

Although the origins of mudras are not known, they have been around for thousands of years and have appeared in many different religious and spiritual traditions. The word mudra comes from the Sanskrit word: mud, which means bliss, and dra, which means dissolving. So, the word mudra literally means dissolving into bliss. It is also translated as a gesture, or an attitude used to create a circuit of energy in the body. Mudras can be performed with the hands, the head, the perineum, and even through specific shapes created with our entire body. In modern day yoga and meditation, we are most familiar with hand mudras.

"I dreamed I was a butterfly, flitting around in the sky; then I awoke. Now I wonder: Am I a man who dreamt of being a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming that I am a man?" - Zhuangzi

Following our own dharma takes courage. On the one hand it is deeply fulfilling and meaningful, and on the other hand it challenges us to overcome our limiting beliefs. Self-awareness and growth, again and again, are an essential part of the path. Obstacles appear, and we must figure out new ways to overcome them. Yoga gives us tools to find our inner strength and gain self-trust as we walk life’s path. Through the eight limbs of yoga, including asana (postures), we can continue to cultivate hope, inner peace, and resilience. Here are three postures that help us reconnect to our everlasting reservoir of inner strength.

We are innately creative beings, but living in a state of flow when it comes to inspiration and creative output is difficult for many of us. Life has its ups and downs, and everyday stressors and to-do’s can block us from accessing our creative potential. Practices like pranayama, meditation, and yoga can be incredibly helpful in shifting energy and clearing our minds to help us tap back into our creative nature.

For many of us, energy comes and goes. Some days we feel like we can take on the world; others it feels like a nap is the only way to power through. It’s important to honor your energy levels wherever you are and be sure not to push yourself too hard. However, it can be helpful to incorporate some yang energy into your day to boost your energy levels and keep you feeling alert. This upbeat practice is designed to get your blood flowing and invigorate you so you can feel energized and ready to go all day long.

From the ancient Yoga Sutras by Patañjali, the sutra sthira sukham asanam can be translated into English as “may the posture be steady and full of ease (or joy).” For anyone new to yoga, it might seem obvious to aim for steadiness and strength. Therefore, it is the prominence of sukham — signifying the eternal sense of joy, bliss, or ease within us — that may come as a surprise.