In yogic tradition, tapas refers to the heat or fire of discipline, a vital aspect of sustaining a personal practice as well as a lifetime of personal growth. Tapas involves devotion that compels us to show up for ourselves, even during moments of discomfort or uncertainty. My teacher's teacher, Rama Jyoti Vernon, suggests that through practice, the yogi becomes as sensitive as an eyeball—open and vulnerable to the world. This vulnerability invites growth, as tapas asks us to embrace discomfort as a crucial part of transformation.
Tapas involves holding ourselves accountable, willingly placing our feet to the fire, and committing to this process. Whether in maintaining our yoga practice or facing life’s challenges, tapas requires a continuous return, free from the expectation of immediate reward.
However, discipline can easily transform into rigidity. Adaptability provides the counterbalance—recognizing when we need to shift our approach. What worked in the past may not continue to support us, and we must give ourselves permission to evolve. Adaptability invites humility, helping us release methods or goals that no longer serve our current path.
By returning to the practice with compassion and curiosity, we cultivate resilience. Progress does not require perfection, but rather the application of what we learn each time we revisit a challenge, a relationship, or a practice. As we grow, so must our discipline—strong, yet flexible.
Tapas does not ask us to push through at all costs. Instead, it invites us to cultivate an internal fire that sustains and supports us, while we practice the wisdom of adapting. Through this, we allow the process itself to become our greatest teacher.
Reflection: How do you recognize when discipline has led to stagnation in your practice, relationships, or life? Have you experienced grief when letting go of a once-useful ritual, method, or belief system? If so, how do you give that grief meaning, allowing it to nourish your growth and adaptability?
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