Tapas: Heat Generated by Discipline

Continuing our discussion with the 2nd limb of Patanjali's ashtanga yoga, the 3rd niyama, tapas, which literally translates to discipline from the sanskrit root tap or heat, is the niyama most of my college students connect with. When they first read TKV Desikachar's description of tapas in The Heart of Yoga, they tell me they can relate to working their bodies.

It's much more than working your body, tapas is creating heat or fire through discipline. When we commit to a practice, be it asana, meditation or eating clean, we are transformed by following through and getting it done. Patanjali tells us that we can burn away impurities through practice, which then makes room for a spiritual connection to ourselves, to others, to a power greater than us.

Discipline is not beating ourselves up because we skipped a day or fell out of practice. Discipline is picking up where we left off, supporting another in their practice, and showing up. Practice is not perfect. TKV Desikachar also warns against using tapas a denying the self or as punishment. Tapas is a choice that we make to be healthy and to rid our bodies and minds of impediments to moving ahead.

Through our discipline we create change. This change propels us forward to want to do our best in the moment. I see it often in my students who are so inspired through their yoga practice that they want to teach and share with others what they've learned.

Setting up routines and doing them repeatedly is discipline. As with any skill, the more we do it, the more we want to do it. Discipline sets us free. Think of brushing your teeth. Most of us could not leave the house with if we have not brushed. It's much easier to continue with a practice than to stop and start repeatedly.

I've worked with successful athletes and professionals in my practice. One thing that is common in them all is the commitment to do what they need to do. Many times they come to me because they are challenged with committing to other aspects of their life especially focusing the mind. One might think if you are disciplined in one area, it will transfer to other areas in life. For some this is true, for others, this is not the case. 

The body for some is more tangible and easier to manage. The mind, well. We all know they are intimately connected--you cannot change one without the other. 

What can you do?

• Observe your habits-I like journaling for this.
• Choose 1 or 2 habits you'd like to change.
• Start slowly-meditate for 5 minutes a day, give up soda, take a 15 minute walk or yoga practice at lunch each day.
• Commit to a time period-one month.
• Do it.
• Evaluate how you feel. 
• Continue with the practices that serve your body and mind.
• Slow and steady is the way to create lasting change.

I'd love to hear about how tapas -- transformational heat generated through discipline -- has changed your life! If you are interested in support for changing a habit, sign up for a 20-minute complimentary wellness chat.

#tapas #niyamas

Santosha: Contentment

Today, let's explore the 2nd niyama from Patanjali's 2nd limb of ashtanga yoga, santosha or contentment.
Happiest with some sweet treat in each hand as a child, I wonder how much I've changed in my search for joy and fulfillment. 

What is it that makes us content? Being okay with how we how things are in our lives? Spending time with loved ones, nature, ourselves? Accepting our lot? Each of us yearns for inner peace.

संतोष santosha literally means completely satisfied or content. In fact, in this state, we are so content that we desire nothing else. According to TKV Desikachar, when we are focused on what we have, we are in the moment. When we are focused on what we don't have, we are not in the moment.

If we yearn, we are not fulfilled. Society tells us do, strive, more, bigger, faster, keep moving, never settle. 

Overcoming through Mindfulness: What can we do?

• Do the footwork towards a goal and let go of the results.
• Maintain an attitude of gratitude.
• Being calm and content does not mean we are bored.
• Literally, stop and smell the roses.
• Focus on your breath. Breathe deeply again and again.
• Listen to children, partners and older people.
• Look into people's eyes when you are talking to them.
• Don't text or read your phone while walking or driving.
• Show appreciation for small kindnesses.
• Greet your postal worker, bagger, and others you might overlook.
• Spend time in nature.
• Turn off your phone in the evenings or during meals.
• Sit quietly for 5 minutes each morning.
• Schedule your day so you don't have to rush.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 2.42  संतोष अनुत्तमः सुख लाभः santosha anuttamah sukha labhah tells us that if we are content with what we have, we will be joyful. From this state of mind, we will be able to move on to deeper yogic practices. It is possible as a yogi entrepreneur, mom, partner, friend, daughter, etc. to be and feel gratified in each and every moment.

I'd love to hear what you do to be mindful, in the present moment and content. Thank you for reading.

Saucha: Yogic Purification

pascimottanasana

The 2nd Limb of yoga, the niyamas are personal practices or behaviors, saucha (purification or cleanliness) is the first.

In previous posts, I focused on the 1st limb of ashatanga yoga, the 5 yamas are ethical practices or behaviors, ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha. 

So what was Patanjali (sage who wrote down the Yoga Sutras) referring to regarding being pure? Well, we can initially look at our bodies and our minds. I have written and talked a lot about eating clean and meditation. 

Asana (yoga postures) and Pranayama (breathing practices) are yogas main ways to purify the body and to begin to cleanse the mind so we are then able to do some of the deeper subtler practices that require concentration.

What are some other things we can look at for purification?

Fresh dandelion greens

• what we eat
• the air we breathe
• the music, movies and books we consume
• the people we engage with
• the space we work, live and drive around in
• the clothing we put on our body
• the work/service we do in the world

I used to think that it didn't matter which movies I watched, but now after years of viewing a variety of genres and observing how I feel--as well as watching my teenagers, I know, garbage in = garbage feelings. It is the same, when I eat poorly, I feel poorly. When I have piles setting about my home, I can't work as effectively as when my space is tidy. When I am around energy-draining or angry people, I feel horrible.

What are your experiences? What are you will to change in order to feel better and truly have what you want in your life? I'd love to hear.

When You Shine, I Shine!

Photo by: Ethan Eng-Tow

Spring is here. The sun is shining, and the flowers have blossomed. I sent my son out to take some pictures and you can see some of the results. Pretty amazing! 

I love watching my kids, my students and people in my life shine. How can we shine AND celebrate those shining around us?

Photo by: Ethan Eng-Tow

I ask this question because I have heard and seen people tear down successful people-no matter how small the success. My friend, Marty L., called this "Kill the King." I didn't understand the implications or seriousness at the time. I sure do now.

• When people in our lives do something great, acknowledge them privately and publicly. I know you're thinking, "enough of posting pics of our kids wins on FB." Yes, some of us over do it, yet it's still important.

• Know that when someone else is successful, it means that YOU can be successful as well. There is room in the world for all of us to SHINE.

For more 

• Share your own accomplishments. Many of us have been taught that we need to be modest. And, yes some of us go to the other side of the pendulum when we first start, yet we need to show others what is possible in our world. Be an inspiration to others!

• My success is your success and vice versa. Don't worry about people copying you. Most of us are ethical and follow guidelines for sharing information. Of course, this is a whole other post. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Charles Caleb Colton

• Many times when we are successful, we have had a mentor, friend, colleague, who has supported us. It's crucial to let them know they have helped us and the fruits of their help. It's a way of paying it forward. My cousin, Sandra C. explained to me the hitchhiker theory when I was a teen. She helped me with my education and told me some day, I would help someone else and I have.

So, don't be afraid to Shine. Shine is my Word of the Year. A habit I learned from my mentor, Christine Kane. I will do my best not to Shine all over you ;-)

I would love to hear your Shining stories.