I’ve had a long awaited week away. I went to California with my sister and it was amazing! A total break from my routine - real escapism.
I’d recorded a little workshop of classes and drills for people to practice whilst I was away. It’s been great reading the comments of how some of you got on. Funny, dedicated and incredibly self disciplined. Hats off to all of you who are motivated to get on with classes on catch up too!
One thing which has stuck with me is the messages I’ve had saying how nice it is to be back practicing together again ‘live’ in the mornings. Some admitted that they didn’t do the workshop and that it wasn’t the same as joining our 7.30am yogi group. For myself too, whilst we all need periods of escapism, rolling out the mat (despite the jet lag) has enabled a routine to resume.
It’s made me think more about commitment. In yoga this is called Tapas. It's the 3rd niyama. The niyamas are ethical guidelines of things we should do. Although the word Tapas in sanskrit translates as more than just commitment. The word tap is about fire or heat. To keep the heat on. A bit like a brooding bird keeps the eggs warm in her nest.
Tapas is not easy. It is first mentioned way back in the ancient texts of the Vedas and Sutras and there is much more to these verses (or aphorisms) than their literal translations. Keeping the heat or fire on implies transformation. The act of burning is fierce and hot. Almost the opposite of comfortable. It’s the same with any serious commitment or discipline. Really hard if you want to see transformative changes. But if you put the effort in. Keep the heat on. The rewards are totally worth it.
Kino MacGregor, who is an internationally recognised teacher and author of several books, says, ‘Few people I’ve ever met enjoy getting up early. Most, myself included, would prefer to sleep in. While certainly not “fun”, there is power in this small form of Tapas. If you rise before the sun, then you will also rise before the hustle and bustle of the world and before your mind gets too active and clouded with thoughts. Your body is still in a semi-fasting state from sleep and if you practice during that state, it is possible to access deeper layers of the body’.
The commitment is a bit like buying a dog and having to take it out every day whether rain or shine. Training to be a professional musician or dancer. Elite athlete, sports person or numerous professions. Some of us need a bit more encouragement to keep the fire going than others. Call it moral support, peer pressure or as I like to, our online Shala. Shala translates as a home or gathering place for students of yoga to practice, share, experience and grow.
Of course I’m not suggesting it’s going to work for everyone to get up and join me for yoga online at 7.30am. Far from it. But knowing others are practicing at the same time helps. Similar to getting a block of yoga classes to use over a period of time.
Applying Tapas, or a real commitment to the things we value is an important life lesson. Maybe sometimes we need to say “I’m in.” Show up and be counted, as an important part of the process.
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