Welcome to the holiday season. Depending on my mood, this time of year can cause complete panic or elevate me  to new heights (at times both in the same day, possibly even the same hour). It’s that pressure to create the perfect holiday that often causes us to crack — buy gifts, decorate, celebrate, eat, drink, be merry — it’s a full-time job to get your holiday groove on. It can easily become overwhelming and stressful if we get swept up in the current of consumerism and the idea that more is better. This season, more than ever, presents an opportunity for reflection as we face political change and economic uncertainty. How to find holiday joy and meaning? Firmly ground your heels in tadasana (mountain pose), adopt an attitude of gratitude, and sprinkle a little yoga philosophy over whatever your holiday serves up this year.

In Patanjali’s ancient text the Yoga Sutras, Sutra 2.46 describes how asana, the physical practice/poses, ought to be: Sthira sukham asanam. The yoga posture should be both steady and comfortable; a balance between effort and ease that feels delicious and challenging at the same time.

STHIRA SUKHAM ASANAM, shown in Sanskrit above, is from the Yoga Sutras authored by the ancient sage Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras are the guidebook of classical or Raja (royal) yoga. Written at least 1,700 years ago, the Sutras are made up of 195 aphorisms (sutras), or words of wisdom.

We cannot challenge ourselves and grow if we only do what we’re good at (in yoga and in life). So when we are challenged on the mat, we don’t give up (cue the common in-class tactic of, “I can’t do this pose so I’ll head to the bathroom now”) but rather dig deep to find the comfort and ease amidst the effort. It’s the yogic equivalent to seeing the glass half full. If we can focus on the inner strength that is our foundation and tap into it, then we’re more likely to experience positive results. That means staying grounded while simultaneously taking risks. Staying rooted while you go out on a limb. Being safe while experiencing the thrill of something new.

DOWNHILL SKIS AND DOWNWARD DOGS. Big Sky Yoga Retreats’ winter getaways combine yoga and world-class skiing at Big Sky Resort in the winter wonderland of Montana. Learn how yoga can improve your skills on the slopes. All levels of skiers and yoga practitioners welcome! Upcoming retreats include:

• New Year’s 5-Day Retreat: Jan 4-9 (Sun-Fri)
• Peak Season 5-Day Retreat: Sun-Fri, Mar 1-6 (Sun-Fri)
• Warm and Cozy Valentine’s Yoga and Ski Weekend: Feb 13-16 (Fri-Mon)

Visit BigSkyYogaRetreats.com for more information »

So exactly how does this apply to the holidays? Well, it’s like coming into mountain pose every time you’re feeling frazzled by all the festivities. Ground through your feet while allowing the crown of your head to reach for the sky. Let yourself be open to all the energy and activity, all the potential joy swirling around you, but don’t let it shake your foundation and cause you to fall. Sthira sukham asanam - establish that strong, steady and joyful connection to the earth and the season. It requires effort, but there should also be ease. You’ll know when this equation is out of balance and you need to adjust your tadasana.

Stand tall, and let the holidays begin!

Namaste, Margaret
Photo by Chris Hamilton

MARGARET BURNS VAP is the founder of Big Sky Yoga Retreats, combining yoga and outdoor fitness in Montana Big Sky country. Her relationship with yoga began almost a decade ago as a way to balance her hectic New York City lifestyle and a corporate career with cosmetics giant L'Oreal... {more»}