The yoga pose shown here is called Samasthiti, translated as “equal standing” pose. The intention of the pose is to bring balance, stability, and a sense of feeling centered. It can also be practiced while seated in a chair.

If you close your eyes in the pose, you may notice how your weight is distributed in and between your feet, the pressure between hands, and visualize the center line of your body dividing left from right (and/or front to back). You may even observe a very subtle sense of swaying as your body makes adjustments to stay upright.

The concept of feeling centered is an important one in yoga, and in life. This is because staying in a state of chronic stress is harmful for our physical and mental health, whereas being able to return to center helps us feel and function better.

I don’t discuss politics or religion in my class because I want everyone to feel welcome and safe, regardless of beliefs, size, shape, age, abilities, etc. However, I think we can all agree that last week’s U.S. election activity probably stressed out a lot of people (including me).

Because of this, in classes last week I had everyone focus on grounding, literally feeling the ground beneath us, and getting our minds away from chaos and into our bodies. When we are doing poses on one side of the body, I often say “come back to center,” and have everyone pause to notice the effects before we continue to the other side.

I hope you can make some time to move, breathe, and stay centered with me this week.

Be Well,

Eva