The Fire of Tapas

July 14, 2020

Tapas, the Yama of self-discipline, is a commitment to

making conscious choices in thought, actions and words that lead you towards your truest self. The Yamas and the Niyamas are about developing the internal instead of the external. They help us to understand what we need to
practice to transform ourselves internally resulting in a closer relationship with our authentic self.

The sutras of Patanjali refer to “the removal of impurities in our physical and mental systems through the maintenance of such correct habits as sleep, exercise, nutrition, work and relaxation” (2.32) In this manner, “physical and mental illnesses and disabilities are contained."

It amazes me that something written thousands of years ago is so relevant to our lives today.Tapas refers to the transformational powers of fire to change and strengthen. Going into the heat of difficulty, our integrity is challenged resulting in “burning off” of the old self. The discipline of Tapas can shape us into someone of great depth and integrity. Literally translated as “heat” one can think of it as our inner fire or that which ignites our passions and our sense of purpose in life. It can be understood as our spiritual fire or process of transformation.
In life, there will always be challenges because things such as our work, relationships, living spaces and health, just to name a few, are in constant flux! If we aren’t taking care of ourselves by practicing good health habits, we can be thrown off center, rocking our world.

“A worthy aim makes life illumined, pure and divine. Without such an aim, action and prayer have no value. Life without tapas is like a heart without love.” – BKS Iyengar Yoga, meditation, time in nature, eating healthy and getting enough sleep, create a stronger,
more resilient self that is prepared to face the fire. Practicing tapas means that we have a choice to choose mental, physical and spiritual
disciplines that enhance our lives instead of succumbing to unhealthy habits of the past.

“At times there will be fire; this we can't avoid. But it's up to us to decide whether it will
consume or purify.” Unknown

Meet Our Writers

Our Writers

Julie Bertagna

Julie Bertagna is a 500 RYT and certified Baptiste yoga teacher who teaches Baptiste power yoga and recovery yoga at Namaspa Yoga & Massage, as well as in her home studio, The Yoga Loft, in Bend. She is a mother and a grandmother, she loves the outdoors, and she still pursues dental hygiene one day a week! In the summer, she spends time at her partner's retreat venue, Vernonia Springs, which puts on retreats and special events. More information about Julie’s offerings can be found on her website: juliebertagnayoga.com

Zia Estrella

An exotic stargazer from the land of the intuitive ones, Zia embodies physicality, possibility, and empowerment in lighthearted playfulness. She loves the truth with all her heart and lives it with all her being. She grounds down into her deep dark Taína roots to rise. Humbled to practice and study yoga since 2007, she lives in wholeness, giving full credit to each and every emotion she experiences while embracing the power of the now moment. Shifting her perspective to realize the eternal inner light within is her Dharma. She got turned upsidedown on the True North path of yoga and she remembered her Prem - TruthLoveBeauty. This is her deepest source of empowerment, creativity, joy and peace. May she transform darkness into light through her own journey and serve all beings everywhere in truth, love and beauty. Learn more at www.ziayoga.io

Heidi Drake

Heidi Drake discovered yoga at the suggestion of her chiropractor and founded Downward Dog Yoga & Wellness Studio in Sunriver, Oregon in 2017, after obtaining her RYT-250 aerial yoga instructor certification from Aerial Yoga Academy. A lifelong dancer who taught jazz, hip hop, and tap at Sunriver Dance Academy for 9 years, Heidi realized that she needed something a bit gentler on her 50+ year-old body and was pleasantly shocked to find a passion for the strength, flexibility, and mind-body-soul connection yoga offers. When she’s not at the studio or writing, Heidi’s favorite place is on the Little Deschutes river, in her own backyard, with her husband, two teenage daughters, and pack of 4 dogs.

Hannah Parks

Practicing yoga is a deeply personal and professional endeavor for Hannah. She discovered yoga as a way to manage her own chronic pain - and it changed her life. As a social worker, she is passionate about helping people be the best that they can be, and she uses yoga to empower clients in their journey of finding balance in their own lives. She is a lover, a traveler, a social justice warrior, and a curious cat.

The Fire of Tapas

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The Fire of Tapas

Also in The Community Hub

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Recent Articles

Accessories

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