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2nd Limb of Yoga – Niyamas (Personal Observances) #3: Tapas
The first 2 of the 8 Limbs of Yoga are the Yamas and Niyamas. There are 5 Yamas and 5 Niyamas, and we will take a full day on our Daily Yogi journey to focus on practicing each of the five. Niyamas (KNEE-ya-mas) are guidelines for our own personal habits or observances. Let’s take a closer look at the third of five Niyamas – Tapas.
All about Tapas (Discipline)
Tapas (TAH-pas) is derived from a Sanskrit root meaning “to burn”. Tapas is often translated as self-discipline.
Tapas is one of the easiest of the Niyamas to understand. The word Tapas is derived from a Sanskrit root meaning “to burn”. However, Tapas is often translated as self-discipline. Tapas / self-discipline is what helps us build daily rituals and practices. We tap into Tapas when we push ourselves to get on the Yoga mat every day when we do not feel like it, or do necessary homework or work tasks that we find boring, or commit and stick to daily meditation or a healthy diet. I created the Daily Yogi App as a Tapas tool to encourage myself and those who would like to join to be a little better every day.
I think one of the most important ways to integrate Tapas into your day is to focus on your morning routine. Do your best to wake up early (even 5-15 minutes early to start!) to set a daily habit to do something important to you. We tap into Tapas when we push ourselves to get on the Yoga mat every day when we do not feel like it, or do necessary homework or work tasks that we find boring, or commit and stick to daily meditation or a healthy diet.
Pick any daily habit to become the person you want to be. Perhaps you have always wanted to meditate every day… well, today is the day to start! If you always wanted to learn a language, check out the free Duolingo site and app and get started.If you’re an insatiable consumer of education like me, check out these free EdX online courses from Harvard or look around the EdX site for other free classes from other schools. Maybe you want to eat healthy, or try out a new diet, or start taking supplements. Whatever is meaningful for you, make the commitment today!
How to practice Tapas (Discipline)
How to practice Tapas (Discipline)
- Focus on your morning routine
Use all five senses to tap into mindfulness. Appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells around you. What is the temperature? One of my favorite ways to practice mindfulness is in motion, with a mindful walk, hike, or drive.
- Try a 30 Day Challenge
It takes around 30 days for a new habit to stick. So, find a 30 Day Challenge in a subject of interest to you, and get ready to build a new habit.
- Pick a meaningful daily habit, set yourself up for success, and check-in
Pick any daily habit to become the person you want to be. Perhaps learn a language, meditate, work out, learn a new art or instrument. Whatever is meaningful for you, make the commitment today!
Now, for the second part.. Set yourself up for success! Tapas is not just about setting a goal, it is about exercising self-discipline and follow through. If you use a calendar or planner, write your goal down every day. Maybe add a daily reminder, alarm, or calendar appointment on your phone. Try getting sticky notes and sticking around your home. Find a buddy to hold yourself accountable!
Check in on your progress. If you are not sticking with your habit, evaluate your reminder system and whether you truly want this change or skill. If you have followed through, make sure to reward yourself for your progress!
Asana Practices
Here are some Asanas (poses) and Asana series I feel embody the spirit of Tapas! Click the images to learn to how perform the pose or more about the Asana style!
Please note this section is currently under construction – please check back soon for more!
Meditation Practices
Here are some of my favorite meditations I feel embody the spirit of Tapas!
Morning Motivation Guided Meditation.
Please note this section is currently under construction – please check back soon for more!
Tapas Quotes
Today’s Practice
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