As the year winds down and a new one begins, I find myself reflecting on two steadfast Sanskrit words: Sukha and Sthira. These words, often paired in yoga philosophy, represent what I think many of us might be seeking, especially as we age—ease (sukha) and stability (sthira).

These concepts can be found when practicing yoga, for instance, in Tree Pose you need grounding stability in your standing leg (sthira) and a sense of ease in your lifted leg and arms (sukha) in order to maintain your balance. But Sukha and Sthira aren’t just about what we do on the mat—they’re about how we show up in life.

As women over 50, we’ve had a lot of experiences that have shaped who we are today. We’ve weathered storms, celebrated milestones, and learned to find peace in life's challenges and small pleasures. This stage of life invites us to lean into what truly brings us joy and to build the physical and mental strength to support it.

Here are some ways to invite both Sukha and Sthira into your life as you step into the year ahead.

1. Find Joy in the Small Things

Joy doesn’t have to come from grand gestures. It’s often found in simple pleasures: the warm sun filtering through a window, a walk in the crisp winter air, or time spent with someone you're at ease with. Sukha invites us to notice these moments and savor them.

A journal where you can jot down the small joys from each day can help you be more mindful. You’ll be amazed at how this practice shifts your perspective. I keep a small Moleskine cahier on my bed that I write it each day. Some days I might have one entry, other days it could be a longer list. The benefit I’ve received from this practice is that I pay more attention to moments that lift my spirit and open my heart.

2. Cultivate Stability in Your Body & Mind

We can’t control everything (or everyone!) in life, but we can nurture our own stability. For me, this means committing to a regular yoga practice—even 10 minutes a day makes a difference. Poses like Warrior II or Triangle pose help me feel strong, grounded, and capable.

Off the mat, stability might mean setting boundaries or creating routines that support your well-being. It’s okay to say no to things that drain you and yes to what nourishes you.

Try this yoga sequence to connect with the sense of sukha and sthira in your body & mind.

3. Blend Joy and Stability in Your Goals

New Year’s resolutions can feel heavy, can’t they? But what if we approached them with a blend of Sukha and Sthira? Instead of focusing on what you should do, ask yourself what lights you up. What will bring joy to your days?

Pair that joy with a bit of structure. For instance, if you love painting but never make time for it, schedule a weekly “art date” with yourself.

Joy + commitment = a recipe for fulfillment.

What I’ve done this year is to do 30-day experiences. Usually after 30 days, I just keep going! The little positive vibes journal I keep started with 30 days and 3 months later, I’m still at it. Currently, I’m doing 30-days of writing with the yoga sutras as my daily prompts and it's helping me to bring those practices to life. Start small and witness your enthusiasm and commitment expand.

4. Practice Sukha & Sthira in Relationships

Relationships thrive when we bring both joy and steadiness to the table. Can you be a source of calm for a friend in need? Or bring a little lightness to a heavy situation? Sometimes, just listening with an open heart is the perfect balance of the two.

5. Embrace Life’s Ebbs & Flows

Life is never all joy or all stability—it’s a mix. There will be times when things feel shaky, and that’s okay. Sthira reminds us to root ourselves in what’s steady, like our breath or a trusted support system. Sukha reminds us to seek out the silver linings, even in tough times.

Moving Forward with Sukha & Sthira

As we approach the new year, let’s carry Sukha and Sthira with us as guiding principles. Let’s look for moments of joy and create spaces of stability, both for ourselves and in our interactions with others.

May you experience balance, ease, and strength—both on and off the yoga mat.

Where do you find the balance between effort and ease in your daily life?

Join me for a yoga class to practice ease and stability.

Namaste,
Fern