Is yoga easy or hard? Look at an image of a yogi upside down and contorted in various positions, and it can be hard to imagine yourself doing the same. That’s especially true if you have mobility issues or if you have not been physically active for quite some time.
Yoga can be both physically and mentally challenging, but it is not meant to be strenuous. Indeed, it is not just another form of exercise designed to achieve weight loss or a sexy body. Of course, these can be delightful side effects, but it’s important to keep in mind that yoga, as a system, was originally intended to master your mind.
Although many people use yoga as a means to accomplish aesthetic goals, understanding the true meaning and purpose of asana will make such goals all the more attainable.
Asana Defined
Asana are postures practiced in a yoga class. In Sanskrit, asana means “seat” or “to sit.” This makes sense since asana are supposed to prepare you for meditation.
In the Yoga Sutras, Patañjali describes asana as steady, motionless, and comfortable (sthira sukham asanam). Patañjali teaches that the yogi should “abide” with sukham or ease.
It may be a challenge for your mind to accept that your body can be engaged in difficult yoga postures while remaining in a state of ease.
Hatha Yoga: A Foundation
So where is a good place to start? Often, people will be drawn to a more active and rigorous style of yoga because it looks more like exercise.
Postures that obviously demand constant movement with great strength, power, stamina, and flexibility can seem appealing, since these are the postures which may reward the practitioner with a desired physical outcome.
That being said, the ability to manifest these postures varies for everybody. For beginners, moving through a faster and more physically demanding Ashtanga class could prove to be more overwhelming than a slower-paced hatha class.
By contrast, Hatha postures are usually held for longer and breathing is emphasized. Hatha teaches yoga basics and creates a solid foundation, making you more prepared to face challenges.
Breathing is the best tool for mastering your active mind, helping you to stay in stillness. The fact that Patañjali stresses stillness as an essential part of asana suggests hatha could be a good way for a beginner to ease into her practice.
Embracing Challenge: Finding a Place of Ease
Regardless of which yoga style you prefer, you will always encounter challenges in your practice. Yoga is a process for exploring and discovering more about your body and mind each time you practice.
The key is to disengage from struggle and move toward a place of ease. This is not to be confused with making your practice easy. You always want to be feeling something, as well as observing subtle changes and openings in your body. The more you learn to connect with yourself, the more capable you will be of finding that balance between effort and relaxation.
The ability to breathe your way through discomfort is one way of cultivating ease. Part of the ease comes from respecting your body’s limitations and not pushing yourself to go further. Instead of fighting against your body, wait for the sign that your body is ready to let you go deeper.