Part 8: Tapas
Tapas or self-discipline
Join me as I embark on 40 weeks of trying to live the yamas and niyamas off the mat. 4 weeks for each of the 10 ethical principles.
Today we explore the 3rd niyama called tapas or self-discipline. Austerity, catharsis, tolerance, change, transformation…this niyama is definitely more than having self-discipline.
But first, what are the niyamas? Also known as ethical "observances", there are 5 in total, and form the second of the 8 limbs of yoga. Yes, there is much more to yoga than just the physical poses!
Here's what I discovered (& I encourage you to do some of your own self-exploration):
Generally this is a niyama that lies quite strong in my inborn nature - I’ve been super self-driven and self-disciplined since I was a young child. If I know what I’m working towards and why I’m doing it, I can lock in and perservere (even to unhealthy extents). The problem in recent years has been that I’m not entirely clear on my goals and the why to anything I do. Which makes it quite frustrating because I have this massive ocean of willpower that is sitting dormant…
Tapas is about “cooking” ourselves in the fire of discipline, to transform ourselves into something else. Again, what do I want to transform myself into? What am I being disciplined about?
In times of difficulty or crisis, we have the choice to either ‘break down’, or to ‘break open’. This can be so difficult, but I truly believe that we can learn and transform in difficult situations. Also, of course we won’t be untouched by these experiences. Tapas is just as much about reaping the blessing after we have stayed in the unknown and unpleasantness, as it is being the bearer of the “burn”.
Practical ways of practicing tapas? A daily yoga practice, exercising our body, observing the type and amount of food we consume, expanding out mental abilities, and studying texts like the yamas and niyamas as we are doing here today.
Tapas is also about our staying power - can we hold on in situations that seem dark and overpowering? Going through the unknown can be scary, but through tapas we develop the ability to do just this.
Do you trust the process, or hide from it? This is probably my favourite way of thinking about tapas - as a choice. When we can learn to listen to our inner voice and surrender to being present to the unknown, unpleasantness, grief, pain, etc. …then we are preparing to benefit and be blessed by tapas.
What I will do more of: practice being in slightly unpleasant situations in everyday life, so that I can be better prepared for bigger unpleasantness. Maybe a few more cold showers.
Takeaway: Tapas eventually changes our very nature…when we forego momentary pleasures, we invite in future rewards.
You can practice tapas with me on the mat in a free Youtube class, during which I share with you journal prompts and ways that you can practice this yogic observance of self- discipline in your own daily life.
I am SO excited to share with you this 10 part series where we explore the yamas and niyamas in more detail during restorative, yin style classes. See you over in class on Youtube (@Tati von Yoga).
P.S. Here are some suggested JOURNAL PROMPTS from Deborah Adele's book ‘The Yamas and Niyamas’:
* Choose a nourishing practice: eating, meditating, contemplating, or something else that impacts the quality of your essence. Can you put yourself "into the heat" with enthusiasm?
* Remember the cathartic times in your life and how you were shaped by them. Notice the times you may have "checked out" from the pain, and others where you were fearless in the fire and held on to the blessing.
* Practice staying 1 minute more in whatever unpleasantness presents itself to you. Can you stand the heat of unpleasantness? Can you let the heat begin to burn away your judgements, opinions, and expectations?
* Pay attention to your daily choices. Are you making choices that are indulgent or making choices that build your strength and character. Listen to your inner voice and make choices that prepare you for the heat of life. Welcome the heat...
Lots of love & kindness,
Tati
xx
