Tapas, the 3rd Niyama, guides us to seek inner guidance that will steer us into the challenge of growth.

Derived from the Sanskrit root "tap," meaning "to burn," tapas encompasses the idea of self-discipline, austerity, and inner transformation to point us in the direction of our future self.

If we step back and examine our relationship to the concept of Discipline- we often get a strong reaction. Either submitting or rebelling from the externally imposed rules. However, this form of discipline and guidance is not imposed from an external source. There is no authority figure telling you what you "should" do or what you "Have to do".

Tapas is SELF-discipline that is guided by a deep inner knowing. Below the mind...Below the Ego...From a space of Wisdom. Your own gentle inner knowing. It is knowing exactly what is needed for you to drop away the old patterns, limits and beliefs to evolve into the next version of yourself. Only You know exactly what that will take.

At its core, tapas invites us to cultivate a fiery inner determination and commitment to our OWN personal growth and spiritual evolution. It calls us to embrace discomfort willingly, recognizing that through challenges and trials, we have the opportunity to burn away the layers of ego (fear-based judgment) that obscure our true SELF.

For some, tapas might involve cultivating a regular meditation or yoga practice, facing and burning through limiting beliefs and thought patterns. In the crucible of disciplined practice (Sadhana), we discover that the greatest journey is the one that leads us back to ourselves. If you have practiced yoga or meditation for some time...you know that there will be friction. The resistance of getting to yoga class, the pull of other tasks that distract us from our meditation cushion. Tapas gives us the fire of determination to burn through those source of resistance, fueled by an inner knowing that THIS is what I need to support my growth (the dishes can wait!).

It is on that path to ourselves, that we may become aware of the things that sit in our way. The things that have clung to us, the old habits that are still tugging at us, the old patterns that no longer serve us. This is where the fire of tapas can burn away what is no longer needed to give fuel and light to our path ahead. It is the controlled burn of our life. Clearing out the old undergrowth and returning nutrients into the soil so the trees can grow taller and root down deeper.

Tapas is not about extreme effort or constant overdoing (Im looking at you hatha yogis!!) . It is about Right effort. Just the Right amount of effort to bring transformation, without harm. Be vigilant for patterns of over efforting that can deplete your fire- a common experience in the modern day "more is better" society that thrives of "hustle". This is the path to burnout...the opposite of a healthy inner fire.

Pay special attention if you have patterns of perfectionism- which can be an outer striving that is fueled by an inner sense of unworthiness. That is not tapas. That is a subconscious limiting belief pulling the strings.

Pay special attention if you have patterns of people pleasing: listening to the needs of everyone but yourself. This can cause us to over work, over give and put our effort in the wrong places because we are listening to outside sources.

Sink down into the quiet still space of your wisdom layer.

Below the ego and the thinking mind

Rest there.

Ask yourself gently...What do *I* need?

Don't grasp for an answer.

Rest there and see if any information comes up.

(repeat as needed)

Through the practice of tapas, we learn to confront our inner obstacles head-on, whether they be fears, doubts, or attachments. We cultivate the courage to sit with discomfort, knowing that it is often the crucible in which profound growth and transformation occur. Tapas gives us the ability to align our actions with our highest values- even (and especially) when it is not easy. It is the courage that it takes to build an outer world that matches our inner knowing.

In this process of self-guided effort, we begin to forge a more intimate and authentic connection with ourselves. Through the alchemy of tapas, we awaken to our inherent worthiness and inherent capacity for growth.

Ultimately, the practice of tapas is not about self-flagellation or striving for perfection. In fact- as we step into the challenge things will get messy and real...far from perfect. It becomes an opportunity to sit with ourselves in Empathy as we face our very messy, real struggle...as we uncover parts of ourselves we don't like...as we take a hard look at some of our dark inner spaces...as we feel our way through difficult emotions.

If we are not willing to go there...we are not able to grow.

It's about honoring our journey- with all of the ups and downs, embracing the inherent challenges and blessings that come with it.

This is how we grow.

Wishing you a strong, bright inner fire to guide your way!

-Laura

Laura Goellner

Occupational Therapist

Yoga Therapist

www.LauraGyoga.com

@LauraGyoga