The Familiar
This past weekend our first 25HR Chair Yoga Course took place. A fun and informative weekend focused on the chair yoga practice from the perspective of accessibility to help bring the benefits of yoga to a wider population. While a 200HR yoga certification was not required to participate, the group was a collection of previous AYC 200HR grads – I enjoyed the time together again!
It was clear from the start of the course how the familiarity of the people, and practice, created such a brave space to allow curiosity to be expressed openly. As a result, the conversation flowed easily between us allowing knowledge to be shared and ideas to be tested.
This weekend was a great reminder that it’s the familiar aspects of life that allow us to move with a little more ease throughout day. And inversely, when the familiar shifts, it can bring stress, frustration, and the feeling that our energy is being used up more quickly.
In yoga philosophy, we can explore the balance between steadiness (sthira) and ease (sukha). When we step into our practice, we look for that place where stability supports ease. The familiar offers us a sense of grounding, connection, and trust in what we already know. From there, ease naturally arises with the openness and curiosity that allow us to explore new movements, ideas, and perspectives.
But when something familiar shifts, whether in our body, our relationships, or our routines, it can feel like our steadiness has been shaken. Our yoga practice invites us not to resist that change, but to meet it with awareness.
Through breath and mindful movement, we learn that steadiness doesn’t have to come from circumstance; it can come from within.
Let’s take this into our yoga practice this week:
Provide yourself a 10-15min warm-up prior to beginning any of the below suggested practice for your week.
Asana Practice: Working with the familiar to then explore and be curious. Repeat this twice and find play within your own level of practice.
Seated: Easy Pose > Cat/Cow > Upward Salute > Clasp Hands Behind Back: Repeat this X3
Head to Knee Pose (R) > Rockstar > Wide Legged Forward Fold > Head to Knee (L) > Rockstar > Wide Legged Forward Fold > Bound Angle > Reverse Table Top > Boat > Easy Pose > Downward Facing Dog > Sun Salutation A X4 > Table Top > Tiger > Pigeon > Three-Legged Dog > Standing Forward Fold > Upward Salute > Standing Wind Relieving > Standing Forward Fold > Table Top > Extended Child’s > Savasana
Close out your practice using your warm-up as your cool-down and offer yourself a 10mins Savasana for rest.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being.
Mantra Suggestion: This week I thought I would offer you all a mantra.
“I root into what I know. I open to what I don’t.”
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Join us on the floor.
Thank you to those who were part of our very first 25HR Chair Yoga Course! If you have interest in taking this course in 2026 please email me at the email below and I will add you to the list.
If exploring the practice of yoga has been on your mind our 200HR Yoga Teacher Training is an in-depth way to dive in, explore the practice, explore yourself, and have the certification to teach others to do the same. Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training beginning January 2026 and become a Certified Yoga Teacher.
Questions? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
Let’s grow collectively,
-Stephanie
PS: Only 20 days left to be part of the Founders Discount! Our Yoga Inspiration is now bigger and better. Join the Yoga Inspiration Collective! A collective that encourages curiosity and education about yoga. This community we will explore principles that help you move from uncertainty and self-doubt to confidence and clarity. You will be part of a community that helps you become more confident and clearer, grounded and consistent in practice, present on and off your mat, connected in community.