The Art of the Simple Seat: Why Stability is Your First Act of Kindness
We often treat rest as another task on the list, but true sanctuary starts with a simple act of kindness toward your own nervous system. Come sit with me—let's learn how to find the stillness that exists within.
This weeks focus: Ahimsa (Non-violence) and the Muladhara (Root) Chakra.
In a world that demands your constant performance, the most radical thing you can do is sit still.
"Rest" often feels like another task on the to-do list.
However a true sanctuary begins with Ahimsa—the practice of non-violence toward your own nervous system.
And that starts with sitting yourself down and getting still.
Establishing the Seat
In Yogic terms it's Asana, which literally means "seat" (but often gets translated as posture).
Before we try to expand our consciousness, we must first learn to settle the physical body; it is in this simple act of grounding that we finally find the space to breathe.
By rooting, and grounding ourselves into the earth, stabilizing the physical sheath (Annamaya Kosha), we stop the "leaks" of our vital energy.
We can do this in standing poses like mountain (Tadasana) and tree (Vrkasana).
Or we can use seated postures like staff pose (dandasana) or simple crossed leg (sukhasana) - although not simple for everyone, that is why I love the fact that we sit on a chair to practice in the REAL method.
Although not on the ground, we can still connect with the earth element through awareness of our root chakra - Muladhara.
A simple seated posture can give us so much
We aren't just sitting; we are coming home to the stillness that exists within.
As Paramhansa Yogananda said:
"Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become."
This week, in our seated posture we have been practicing withdrawing energy from the outward movement of the senses and the busyness of the world.
We redirected that flow inward to the spine and upward toward the Spiritual Eye.
It is here, in the alignment of the spine, that the "Simple Seat" becomes the basis for helping us feel our inner peace.
We practice on the yoga mat and in a chair, where it is easy.
This trains our body, mind, and nervous system to remain steady even when we step back out into the busy world.
The wisdom of the seat is only the beginning. To help you integrate this into your daily rhythm, I’ve shared a video demonstration on finding your 'simple seat' and a guide on redirecting your energy flow below.
Join the Soul Conversations community to unlock the full practice.
How to Sit
Find your sitting bones - pull the flesh of your bottom out from under you, have a wriggle and get comfortable.
Rest the back of your hands on your thighs at the junction with your abdomen. Palms turned up, fingers soft.
Lift your breast bone, draw your shoulders back and slide your shoulder blades down towards your waist.
Keep your neck long, throat soft and chin parallel to the floor.
That is it!
What we do is in the video included in your group archive on Clarityflow - do ask if you need any help.
