Discipline + Stoking the Inner Fire

Discipline + Stoking the Inner Fire

In yoga we call it tapas, this internal flame of passion and effort that heats up our bodies and cleanses us from the inside out. Tapas can be ignited during any kind of deep effort with intense focus - which is why the practice of yoga isn’t limited to physical postures. We can experience tapas sitting in meditation, during a yoga pose, while attempting to keep up a chant. 

Discipline can sound harsh, it can trigger thoughts of being reprimanded, or the idea of forcing something -which doesn’t mesh very well with what most people expect from a yoga practice. But what if we swapped the word discipline with dedication or devotion? What if the effort we put forth was a willing choice everyday because of our commitment to something bigger than ourselves? 

After 9 years of practice, its hard to say exactly what gets me on my mat each day -because its always different… or its not even a thought process… its so much a part of who I am - I know it keeps my body fluid, my mind chill, anchors me in times of duress, and challenges me in fun and unique ways. I am a better human because of my dedicated practice - my heart opens more easily, I step into my dharma motivated and sure footed. I am generally present and calm and I am strong enough to hold space for the loved ones in my life, as they too process life’s joys and grievances. 

The spiritual effort of tapas goes hand in hand with discipline to create Abhyasa - one of the two foundational pillars of Yogic Philosophy. Think energies of dedication and consistency, perseverance and tenacity. This is Abhyasa. It is what fuels the magical, unseen forces of routine, motivation, and practice, despite whatever obstacles we find in front of us.

As we develop a deeper connection and love for our practices, tapas burns brighter and begins to engulf the things that no longer serve us. Over time, limiting thoughts and behaviors start to fall away - the fire of tapas taking up too much space to allow these hindrances to stay. This is how yoga works - we don’t have to force ourselves to let go of things. Through heartfelt dedication and effort, the natural process of tapas burns away anything that doesn’t align with our truth. The bright flame of our inner fire swells and fills our hearts and takes up enough space that we can release any ill-fitting attachments to behaviors, thoughts, lifestyles and relationships. 

So what is it that ignites the spark of joy in my gut when I wake up on another average morning? I think about my practice in the way one looks forward to greeting a beloved pet or child in the morning - ah yes! Blessed to have another day with you! How incredible it is to have another opportunity to practice! In this way Abhyasa carries components of bliss and love. Affection and infatuation pull us toward the things we love. Our practice becomes a place of sanctuary and indulgence, where we feel most at home and most loved for our unique selves. 

If you’re finding yourself craving this sort of connection to your practice, then the spark within you is already lit. It's now up to you to give it breath and space and kindling, in whatever way that takes shape in your life. Maybe that's an early morning in silence before the workday. Maybe that's a weeknight class at your local studio. Maybe that's lighting a candle and saying a prayer before bed. Spiritual ritual and effort comes in many flavors. If you get quiet enough, you can hear the whisperings of your intuition guiding you in the right direction. 

So get on your mat, or your cushion or otherwise situate your ritual space - and try not to think so hard. Embody your inner voice and notice sensation as you allow yourself to open to the spirit of practice in its many forms.

Namaste.