normalizing the idea of yogic tapas (tuh-puhs)
tapas (tuh-puhs) in sanskrit refers to burning in fire or heat. in yoga, it refers to the inner fire that drives a person towards growth, transformation or self realization. it is the 3rd niyama out of the 5 niyamas for leading a healthy and blissful life.
yogic tapas is the self-discipline and austerity that helps you grow the limits of your yoga practice and open new doors. it is the willingness to stay with discomfort long enough to be transformed by it.
in daily life, caught up in the race for what’s next and what others possess, we lose sight of the truth that real transformation is found only by turning inward. any lasting change for the better, any chance to break free, requires us to slow down, endure, and lean into the fire of tapas.
what if this was an accepted way of life? what if it was normal to say, 'this is my year of tapas', and others not only understood but also supported your choice?
normalizing tapas as part of daily living cannot mean pausing your life or abandoning responsibilities. instead, it would mean granting yourself permission to slow down. it would mean others honoring your choice to slow down. to set aside what you can, and unshackle from what no longer serves you. and then create space for one or two practices that truly challenge you to grow. to step into the discipline of tapas, with the support of those that matter. to choose the fire of growth over the comfort of routine and race, and allow it to reshape you.