“Wisdom is knowing when to rest, courage is knowing when to rise.”– Unknown
Hey lovely,
You know those moments in yoga when you're holding a pose and you're not sure whether to lean in or ease out, and somehow both feel right? That’s kind of where I’ve been lately. Figuring out when to hold steady, when to let go, and how to dance between the two without tipping too far in either direction.
As the energy of the year begins to pick up momentum, many of us are slipping into our rhythms, some flowing beautifully, others feeling a little more like a tug-of-war. Maybe you’re navigating a full calendar, re-establishing routines, or perhaps still trying to figure out how to begin again. Whatever season you’re in, yoga offers a powerful reminder: there is beauty in balance.
It reminds me of this beautiful line from the Yoga Sutras:
“Sthira Sukham Asanam” – which roughly translates to, “steady and comfortable seat.”
Yes, it’s talking about the physical poses of yoga, our asana, but it’s also quietly nudging us toward something bigger, this idea of finding balance not just in the body, but in the way we show up in life.
Not too rigid. Not too floppy. Something just right. Goldilocks yoga, if you will.
Sthira is that steady, grounded strength. The structure. The discipline. The showing-up-even-when-you-don’t-feel-like-it energy.
Sukha is the sweetness. The softness. The ease that lets us breathe deeply and enjoy the journey.
And though this sutra refers to our physical asana practice (like everything in Yoga - yoga meaning union or to yoke) it’s actually a life lesson in disguise, a gentle push toward cultivating both strength and softness, effort and ease, discipline and surrender, not just on the mat, but in everything we do.
Put them together, and you’ve got something kind of magical: effort and ease. Strength with softness. Showing up and letting go. Your Yin and Yang, Masculine and Feminine. Balance!
This week, I’ve been noticing where I lean too hard into effort (hello, tension in my shoulders) and where I might be a little too relaxed (aka, avoiding my to-do list in favour of snacks and scrolls). But it’s also reminded me that yoga doesn’t ask us to be perfect, just aware, willing and open to new ways of looking at life.
Sthira – The Strength Within
Sthira is the grounding energy. It’s the commitment, focus, and structure we bring to our practice and our lives. It’s showing up to class even when you’d rather not, holding Warrior II with steadiness, building the inner fire of Tapas (discipline). Off the mat, it’s your ability to stick to your intentions, maintain boundaries, and stand rooted in your truth.
But too much sthira, and we become rigid, our breath shallow, our minds resistant, our bodies tense.
Sukha – The Softness That Opens Us
Sukha is the sweetness. It’s the breath that softens a pose, the moment of surrender in Savasana, the gentle reminder that it’s okay to rest. It’s laughter, ease, adaptability, and the capacity to release control. Off the mat, it’s the art of letting go, forgiving ourselves, and trusting the process.
Too much sukha, and we drift—we lose focus, skip our practices, say “yes” when we mean “no,” and forget our own strength.
The Dance of Balance
True practice—and true living—is found in the space where effort meets ease. It’s the exhale after the exertion, the pause between transitions, the knowing when to push and when to soften. Every pose asks us to find this dance:
Can you hold the pose without holding your breath?
Can you stay grounded while remaining open?
Can you strive without striving?
This dance isn’t just for the mat, it’s for conversations, relationships, work, rest, and all the in-between moments that make up our lives.
How to Cultivate Sthira and Sukha This Week
In your asana practice, play with the edges, notice where you push too hard, and where you could show up with more intention. Breathe into the balance.
On the mat, can you hold Warrior II without holding your breath?
Can you be strong without being rigid?
Can you let something soften that you’ve been gripping for a little too long?
In your daily life, ask: Where am I gripping too tightly? Where am I avoiding necessary effort?
In your rest, trust that ease is not the opposite of progress, it’s part of it.
Let Your Practice Be the Mirror
Whether you’re showing up for a dynamic Vinyasa, a soothing Yin, or a deeply nourishing Yoga Nidra. Each practice invites you to notice your own balance between sthira and sukha, and to carry that awareness off the mat and into your daily life.
You don’t need to get it perfect. The dance isn’t about perfection. it’s about presence. Keep coming back to your breath, and let it guide you.
What's happening in The Pantry? 🧘♀️
MALA, MANTRA AND MANIFESTATION WORKSHOP THIS SUNDAY!!!!!!
This doesn't come around that often (maybe once every 5 years or so) so join me in THIS SUNDAY and learn how to make your own hand-knotted mala, that you can use in your meditation practice or to curb your anxiety. Learn how to use it effectively and learn a super amazing manifestation ritual while you're at it :)
This is a fantastic workshop to help you clear out that old stagnant energy and infuse some new inspiration into your year!
All the deets are right here I can't wait to share this wonderful workshop with you, so book your spot and join me THIS SUNDAY!
Our Amazing 8 Week Introduction To Yoga
This is a fantastic course that I have honed over a decade of teaching it to hundreds of new yoga enthusiasts. I love teaching it. I love sharing it and I love seeing the results the students get from just eight 90-minute sessions each week.
It really is a fantastic course to upskill, hone, or start your yoga journey, and we have plenty of people take it as a refresher every year or so as well as bringing their friends and family along to introduce them to the joys of Yoga :)
If you need a refresher or just want to ease back into your practice join us either on a Monday or Thursday evening and bring a friend ;)
SIGN UP TODAY and enjoy the myriad benefits of a regular yoga practice, plus be part of the best darn beginner yoga course in town.
Beginner Plus
We have just 2 Beginner Plus courses scheduled this year the first one starts in June so get your name on the list and join me on a Monday evening for some excellent pranayama, asana, mudras and bandhas along with some deeper yogic philosophies thrown in the mix.
Sign Up Here
Restorative Yoga Workshop
Your beloved 2 hours of restorative yoga is back in April and June.
Restorative yoga is a completely different experience than most other styles of yoga. Restorative yoga is a restful practice that is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching. If you take a restorative class, you may hardly move at all, doing just a few postures over the course of the session. It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga—the union of body and mind. Through the use of props for support, many of the postures are held almost effortlessly.
Head here to book your sessions and join Tash for a restful evening of deep relaxation.
Sound Bath!
Yup, that's back too. May 25th is not just my dad's birthday but also a day for you to immerse yourself in a luxurious sound experience. Soak in the tones of Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, rain sticks, wind chimes, hand drums and gongs.
Check out our Workshop page to get more information and to register for this healing event.
Head here to book all your regular yoga classes
Remember you can join us online from anywhere in the world, live or at a time that suits you with our instant 14-day on-demand Zoom recording!
Don't forget you can also join us for a FREE meditation session every Saturday morning, and even if you can't you can book in via Zoom and do the meditation later in the day :)
Get To Know Your Teacher Series
Meet Steph
Professional Background
What inspired you to start teaching yoga?
Yoga was a huge support for me through a challenging period of my life. It has made such a big difference for me that I felt called to share the teachings. Friends asked me to teach them over zoom through lockdowns, before I had ever undergone my training, and everything sort of snowballed from there. I find it incredibly rewarding and am really grateful for all that I have learnt and continue to learn.
How long have you been practising and teaching yoga?
I have been practising for over 10 years and teaching for 4 years
What styles of yoga do you teach or love practising the most?
I love teaching movement and rest. I enjoy a practise that weaves in a somatic approach and tantric philosophy.
What’s your teaching philosophy or approach to yoga?
My approach is warm and invitational. I aim to weave these ancient practices with modern movement science in a way that is nurturing and supportive. I love movement, meditation, and rest, all with a focus on our inner experience and our connection to the wider world. I thread the spiritual insights of the yoga tradition into my offerings as well as poetry and stories from around the world.
What’s your favourite yoga pose and why?
I love halfmoon. I love the expansive reach out through all of the limbs as well as being a great balance and transition shape
What’s the one thing you want students to take away from your classes?
Feeling more at home in themselves.
Personal Insights
What are your go-to ways to unwind outside of yoga?
I love to walk out in nature, dance, read, write, and spend time with loved ones
Do you have a morning or evening routine that keeps you grounded?
My schedule changes day to day but I love to start my day slow with a morning walk, coffee, journal, breakfast, meditate and asana practise. In the evening I'll often wind down with some restorative shapes, maybe a yoga nidra and I love to read a fiction book
What’s your favourite way to incorporate mindfulness into daily life?
Immerse myself in the sensory experience of whatever I am doing, or wherever I am existing.
Fun & Quirky
If you could invite any 3 people (alive or historical) to a yoga class, who would they be and why?
I can't decide if I want to invite 3 people I would be excited to meet and spend time with, or three people I think could really benefit from the practises of yoga!
What’s the most unexpected thing in your yoga bag?
dancing knee pads and circle bands
Do you have a favourite mantra, quote, or affirmation you live by? My current sankalpa is I am loving
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I have a Masters in Bioengineering
Studio Connection
What do you love most about teaching at The Yoga Pantry?
The people!
What’s your favourite thing about The Yoga Pantry community?
How friendly and welcoming everyone is
What makes your classes unique or special?
It is a time to slow down and experience who we are from the inside out.
Quickfire Round
Favourite yoga prop:
blankets
Favourite yoga playlist vibe:
chill beats
Tea or coffee?:
coffee, but I would be very sad to not have tea in my life
Favourite local spot to relax:
Coyle Park and Pt Chev beach
One thing you can’t live without:
My friends and family
Steph teaches a beautiful Friday evening session - Unwind Body and Mind every Friday night at 6 pm although she is currently on some wonderful adventures so Francesca is filling in until Steph is back after ANZAC :)
Join them in person in our beautiful studio in Mt Eden or from the cosy comfort of your own home.
Book one of Steph's Classes and enjoy a wonderfully connected and restful session.
See you on the mat my awesome friend!
May you honour both effort and ease this week. 🌿✨
With strength and softness,
Tash x
P.P.S Don’t forget to share your Yoga insights on social media with the hashtag #TheYogaPantryLife #Yogaislife
Let’s spread the yoga love far and wide!
I see you, and I appreciate you, you are awesome x
