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Happy February 1, 2023 – Tapas (Discipline)
Happy Wednesday Yogis! Today is Tapas (Discipline) Day!
Imbolc
I have mentioned my interest in mythology of all kinds, and my super Irish name (Tarryn) means I am particularly interested in Celtic mythology. Today is Imbolc, one of the four seasonal Celtic holidays, half way between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It was traditionally celebrated January 31-February 1 because Celtic days began and ended at sunset, rather than at midnight as they do today. There are many interesting ancient Imbolc traditions and rituals, the main one which has carried into modern times is Spring Cleaning! You can read more about the history here if you are interested. We typically focus on Spring Cleaning for Imbolc. Today is Tapas Day and the word Tapas is derived from a Sanskrit root meaning “to burn.” So, today we will focus on another of the traditional Imbolc rituals – spring cleaning and bonfires (fires for purification).
Daily Habit Check-in
We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. Today is our second Tapas or discipline Day of 2022! Our intro Tapas Day, we made a goal that was important to us. Each Tapas Day, we checked in on our progress. It has been nearly a month since our last Tapas Day, so if you are a new Yogi and have kept up on your daily habit, you have likely successfully formed a new habit! Congratulations, keep it up!! If you have not kept up, examine why you did not, and consider if you want to keep this goal or set a new one. Evaluate the reminders and/or rewards you set for yourself, and perhaps modify these systems to ensure your success! Yoga is a practice, and successfully changing our habits is about consistency, so we will keep checking in on our goals on Tapas Days.
PS I want to report back on my Duolingo Daily Habit.. I have kept up with this goal and I am currently close to 777, going for 800 🙂 I am extra motivated by my childhood friends who also have this as their daily habit, who just hit 555 days and 1000 days in a row! Feel free to add me on Duolingo @TarrynTyler.
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to get some exercise for Tapas Day and Work Out Wednesday. If you are having a hard time keeping up with the daily habits you have set for yourself, consider trying and sticking with a 30 Day Challenge! There are many free Apps for other 30 Day Challenge workouts. My favorite is a free app called 30 Day Butt, which allows the pop-up phone notifications I love so much.
I am also going to do a couple of our past Yoga Workouts today – Crab / Boat for Core and Glutes, and Upward Plank Holds for Glutes.
Want more Tapas practices? Check out our Tapas Guide!
Want more Yoga Workout Ideas?
Check our Yoga Workouts Board On Pinterest!
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Flame Gazing Meditation
- Try a more festive flame-gazing meditation with a bonfire – read more about campfire meditations here.
- Try the most traditional version – with a candle flame! Make sure you are in a dark room, and set the candle flame at eye-level. Read more about Trataka or Candle Gazing here!
- If you cannot get a candle or real fire today, or if you prefer guided meditations, try this video to accompany your candle-gazing.
Share your Practice
Please comment and share how you are doing. Have you kept up with your daily habit? Are you changing your systems or perhaps setting a new meaningful goal? Are you joining us with our Asana Challenge? Always remember, be kind!
More Positive Practices
Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!