How do we keep ourselves physically challenged yet safe?

For yogis, this involves two key words – “sthira” and “sukha”.  In sanskrit, sthira means strong, stable, steady in focus for mind and body. The ideal counterweight is sukha or that feeling of ease, relaxation and serenity – no matter how strenuous the pose may be. Once you are able to keep the concepts of sthira and sukha in balance, your practice will be at its utmost and your risk for injury greatly reduced.

For this challenge, apply sthira to the gentle flow below:

• Balasana with arms extended
• Vrksasana
• Supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
• Supine Revolved Belly Twist

On the following day, incorporate sukha into the more rigorous practice below:

• Adho Mukha Svanasana 1 or 2 minute hold
• Utkatasana to Utkatasana Twist
• Virabhadrasana I to III flow
• Sarvangasana

Repeat the practices as needed on subsequent days.

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there…”. -Rumi