Summer Solstice: The Dance of Effort and Ease

Happy Summer Solstice, yogis! With all this amazing light and warmth, it feels like an opportune time to chat about something super cool we chase on and off our mats: that sweet spot between steadiness (Sthira) and ease (Sukham). These two terms come from the ancient yogic text, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and it's a dynamic I'm always exploring in my own practice and teaching. And this summer? The energy's totally calling us to go ALL IN, give it our all, and totally go for it!

You know that feeling when the sun's shining, the proverbial birds are chirping, and you're full of energy and ready to conquer the world? That's when I tap into Sthira. In yoga speak, Sthira means steady, strong, and putting in the work. It’s building that inner power, the commitment to actually showing up, and leaning into a challenging pose – like when my fave teacher Shawna holds us in Chair Pose for what feels like five glorious minutes (haha). It's easy to push hard, muscle it out and put in the EFFORT in those moments. It's the fire in our bellies that helps us break through, get stronger, and seriously transform. Just like summer, Sthira brings that bright, intense energy that helps us get things done.

But then what happens after you've given it your all, or after that super tough pose? Things naturally mellow out, inviting us to just be and find some ease. That's where Sukham comes in. It means comfort, sweetness, and just having space. It’s all about letting go of that extra tension we don't need, finding a little softness even when we're working hard, and allowing myself to rest and soak it all in. In class, Sukham is that sweet, sweet surrender into Savasana, the gentle breath that softens a strong pose, or just accepting where your body's at today. In that fiery Chair Pose, the moment I exhale, surrender, and fall into the EASE, that’s where the magic really happens. How do you find the balance between those spaces?

Off the mat, it's about trusting the ride, letting go of trying to be perfect, and just letting life unfold with a bit more chill, especially when things feel up in the air (my corporate layoff journey definitely taught me a lot about this!). This natural flow of ease is super important, much like understanding and honoring our own cycles – a powerful, built-in rhythm that cues us when to amp up the effort and when to lean into rest and recharge.

Speaking of cycles, Summer really mirrors the Ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. This is like peak time – high energy, feeling confident, full of life, and just crushing it. Spiritually, it's all about power, making things happen, and putting yourself out there. It's a time when you might feel extra social and just buzzing with energy. Just like nature's rocking its most abundant and active phase, our inner energy can peak too, making it totally ideal to lean into our Sthira.

For me, the Summer Solstice perfectly shows off this whole dance. It's the ultimate Sthira moment – the sun's at its absolute strongest, life is vibrant, and you're just ready to do stuff. This summer, I'm all about embracing that full-throttle energy and going for it with everything I've got! But, with that dedication comes the understanding and awareness that rest will naturally follow. After the longest day, the days start to subtly get shorter, reminding us there's a natural rhythm of letting go and restoration that comes after intense effort. So, go hard, play hard, and soak up all that amazing summer energy, knowing there's always space to chill, integrate, and just exist when the time is right.

So, whether I'm bringing my intense energy to a power flow or just melting into a restorative pose, I remember that beautiful balance of Sthira and Sukham. Embrace my dedication, show up strong, and then give myself permission to soften, release, and find that sweet comfort. This summer, I hope you find my perfect groove between working hard and taking it easy, both on and off the mat. GO ALL IN, knowing that delicious rest is always on its way!