It’s summer in Texas, and even if it hasn’t been as hot as it can be for the most part (thankfully!) – it’s still hot. So maybe that’s why heat was on my mind when I started to think about what to write about this month. And the idea of Tapas, or that internal fire of self-discipline, that came to mind to revisit.
Fiery sunset
I’m not talking about fire or heat from getting out for a run these summer mornings, which is definitely hot and yes, a type of self-discipline (and so, can be a part of this). But tapas, in my mind from my readings and classes over the years, is the heat that comes from the discomfort of making change. From that friction when you’re making a change and in the in-between stage of opting for a new behavior or settling back into something comfortable or routine.
Tapas is one of the five niyamas, an idea that is just one part of the eight limbs of yoga. The five niyamas are: cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline (tapas), self-study and humility. The philosophical idea of the niyamas is looking inward and after oneself.
Just as fires can promote new growth, work on self-discipline and strengthening those positive habits or behaviors one looks to make, can promote ways of personal growth.
It can be all too easy to remain within the confines of an existing habit, like staying in bed early in the mornings rather than getting up for that morning walk or run. Even if you enjoy the walk itself and feel good after doing it, those first few moments when making the decision can be uncomfortable. But if the goal is something you want, then you fight through that discomfort to get those walking shoes, or to unroll the yoga mat for early morning sun salutations.
It may take time for that fire to lessen. But there’s a reason “forged by fire” is a saying, as it generally implies growing strong or resilient. And strength doesn’t just mean physical strength – the idea above about getting up early for an early morning workout is just one example of a changing habit. That fire of change might surface with something “quiet,” like setting aside time to build a meditation practice and ideas of things you might should be doing bubbling up.
Knowing there may be some friction helps me when that flame does spark. If it’s a change I want to make, then I need to keep showing up. The more I do, the less that friction will be a disrupter.
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
