Steadiness Amidst the Swirling

As we turn the page into a new month, the light in each day grows longer, and the energy of Spring is stirring beneath our feet. And yet, if you’re anything like me—a busy working woman, a mom, a caregiver, a human in a fast-spinning world—you might feel a little wobbly right now. Maybe even exhausted. That’s why our theme this month is steadiness amidst the swirling.

In our yoga practice and in life, this principle, known as sthira in Sanskrit, reminds us that steadiness isn’t something we wait to feel before we begin. It’s something we cultivate as we move through the whirling.

Last night in my Community Yoga class, I arrived hoping to share that I’m doing great! But instead, my voice was breathless and hoarse, I was feeling rather raw, and a lot shaky. Life had other plans. And somehow, it felt ‘right’. Because our theme for April is sthira—the yogic principle of steadiness. And let’s be honest, steadiness is something we cultivate not when everything is going perfectly, but precisely when we’re feeling a little unsteady.

What is sthira?

In the Yoga Sutras, the sage Patanjali tells us that our yoga practice, particularly the postures (asana), should be approached with both sthira (steadiness) and sukha (ease). Not just strong or just soft, but both. The dance between effort and ease, grounding and grace.

Sthira is what keeps us rooted. Not rigid, but resilient. It’s the quality we call upon when life is swirling around us, and we choose to stay connected—to breath, to body, to intention.

On the Mat (and Beyond)

This month in class, we’re exploring steadiness from the ground up—literally. Our practice is starting at the feet. We’re tuning into the wisdom held in the soles of the feet, the foundation of every standing posture, and the metaphorical root system that allows us to rise.

We practiced:

• Spreading and curling the toes to wake up awareness of the foot
• Ankle stretches and rotations to support flexibility and positioning in and between postures
• Slow and deliberate foot placement to train both body and nervous system

But more than that, we reflected on this: How are you positioning yourself in your life?

Not just on the yoga mat—but at your desk, in your relationships, in the quiet moments of your day. Are you rooted in a way that supports you? Are you flexible enough to adapt without being thrown off course?

What Steadiness Feels Like

At the end of class, I invited everyone to reflect on what steadiness means, and better yet, what it feels like. To me, it feels like that moment of exhale when you’ve just gathered yourself. When you’re not rushing. When you’re standing tall with both feet planted, even if the world is spinning around you.

Sthira isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about choosing to come back to your center, again and again.

And just like that blade of grass in the story I shared—sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is bow, soften, and then rise again.

This Month, Let’s Practice:

• Moving slowly and deliberately
• Starting with the feet and building upward
• Finding the balance between strength and softness
• Taking our steadiness off the mat and into our everyday lives

Whether you join me in a live class, follow along online, or just take a few grounding breaths between tasks, know that this space is here for you.

Here’s to a steady, soul-centered April.

With love,

Michelle