Finding Balance: Effort & Ease
The balance of effort and ease is at the heart of yoga. It is a delicate equilibrium that we must adopt everytime we step on our mat for our practice. Finding the perfect balance between these two elements can often feel like trying to capture the rhythm of a Jazz drummer - a pleasing challenge that invites us to dig deeper into our practice, yet urges us to be present, fully engaged, and connected with our inner selves. Let’s explore this idea a little more and how we can find the perfect balancing point.
EFFORT - THE SACRED FLAME
In yoga, the principle of effort, or 'Tapas' in Sanskrit, doesn't only refer to physical exertion. It also calls for discipline, commitment, and focus, inviting our internal flame to ignite the path toward self-discovery. Through our dedication to showing up on the mat and pushing our boundaries physically and mentally, we actively participate in our transformation, tap into concealed strength, and spark profound growth. We must find the tapas in whatever we do in order to keep it sustainable and engaging. Otherwise, it’s too easy to lose excitement and focus, ultimately leading the flame to ‘burn out’ or become bored. However, too much effort without any ease can lead us down a path of stress, anxiety, and depression as we put too much emphasis on trying to do too much without much help from others.
EASE - THE DIVINE SURRENDER
Surely enough, effort lights the path, but the journey is incomplete without its counterpoint – ease. In yoga philosophy, 'Santosha,' meaning contentment or acceptance, captures the spirit of ease. Embracing ease doesn't have to mean a lackadaisical practice; rather, it's about flowing with the natural rhythm of life whilst maintaining serenity. In Taoism, flowing like water with the path of least resistance is similar to this thought of bringing ease into our lifestyle. It’s about being open to receiving what is no longer under our control and submitting to the surrender.. We can incorporate more ease into our practice by utilizing breath control techniques ('Pranayama'), forming mindful transitions between poses, and allowing ourselves to truly rest in 'Savasana'.
5 STRATEGIES TO STRIKE BALANCE
We mustn’t strain to achieve a pose, but we do need to exert necessary effort.
We don’t move about lazily in postures, but we do need to practice with grace.
1. Intuitive Flow: Pay attention to your body's cues during your practice and throughout your day. If a pose feels painful or too strenuous, honor its signals and adjust your effort accordingly.
2. Breath Awareness: Your breath is an accurate barometer of balance. Short, shallow breaths indicate excessive strain; adapt your pose until your breathing is stable and deep again.
3. Cultivate Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness both on and off the mat. Stay present in the moment, observe your thoughts without judgment, and cultivate self-awareness.
4. Be Compassionate: Practice self-compassion and kindness toward yourself and others. Remember that yoga is a journey, and it's okay to have setbacks or challenges along the way.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the need for perfection and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and find joy in the process of growth! What a beautiful journey it is!
CONCLUSION
I’ve had my fair share of moments when I hop on the mat and am a little mad at my body. Maybe because I didn’t eat well, or it’s just not moving how I want it to, or I’m just frustrated. During these practices, I often injure myself or find my balance to be impossible. I’ve also had my fair share of practices where I’ve been pretty lazy and they’re extremely gentle… maybe a little too gentle. I find myself not performing the poses with the tenacity that I should be, resulting in my body becoming weak and tight instead of strong and flexible.
We all have work to do and room for improvement, but by reading this, you’re already on the path of building the self-awareness around this idea. By integrating effort and ease into our yoga practice and our lives, we can cultivate balance, resilience, and inner peace. Let's continue to explore the rich tapestry of experiences that yoga offers, finding harmony amidst the ebb and flow of life's challenges and blessings.
If you’d like to cultivate more self-awareness around this topic, I recommend listening to this video by Sadhguru as he talks about allowing for receptivity and action to both find a home within our life: What Matters in Spirituality: Your Effort or Grace?
