What gives us drive in life?

What propels us forward?

And what makes us committed to life?

In Yoga the term for a committed and discipline life is Tapas.

Tapas comes from the Sanskrit word which means to burn. Tapas is the energy that invokes a will to make positive changes in one’s life.

It is our innate inner fire.

As fire is the element of transformation, when we employ tapas in our life, we can purposefully pave a way for personal growth and transformation.

This growth may be towards our physical health, our mental & emotional wellbeing or towards our spiritual development.

Tapas involves courage and passion towards building a life that is based on the upliftment of oneself on all levels.

Tapas means igniting one’s inner discipline to overcome obstacles, stick to goals and release patterns that are no longer suitable.

So, let us look at some examples of how we can strengthen our inner Tapas towards our health and wellbeing.

Firstly, take small steps. Tapas is about consistency.

So, whatever your goal may be start slowly. If your aim is to develop a personal Yoga practice, start with a 15-minute session not a 2-hour marathon. Aim for 3 sessions a week not every day.

Consistency has more potency than irregular spurts of application.

Consistency promotes regularity of which strengthens these connections in the brain.

Secondly, challenge yourself. Train yourself to face obstacles that you find challenging. Don’t miss your practice because you don’t “feel like it” or you are too tired. Do it regardless and thus build perseverance and discipline.

Challenging oneself could also involve speaking out when one would normally not.  

Do something you have been avoiding, set yourself a goal, step out of your comfort zone and take on a new task.

When we challenge ourselves, we discover things about ourselves that we never really knew and through this we grow.

Thirdly, seek simplicity. Clear out some of the clutter in life. Take away some of the “busyness” in life. Create physical and mental space so you can focus on your health.

One of the greatest excuses people use when contemplating healthier choices in life is “I have no time”.

Well make time! Examine your priorities, commitments and how you spend your time.

Are you wasting your time and energy on rushing from pillar to post? Trim it down, conserve your energy and take time for what truly matters in your life.

Fourthly, employ some austerity. A little bit of discomfort is important in our affluent lifestyles. Without some discomfort and self-sacrifice, we become soft and unable to withstand life’s difficulties. An example of austerity could be to take away some unhealthy diet habits, go to bed early, spend time alone, refrain from gossip, practice silence, read something spiritual instead of watching television.  

Our culture of entitlement can weaken our character, self-discipline, and individuality.

So, think of ways you can engage Tapas in your life and health practices.

When we apply tapas, it transforms and purifies us. This enables our conscious awareness to overcome our unconscious impulses and poor behaviours.

Tapas builds will power and personal strength helping us to become more dedicated to our health and wellbeing.

Genuine Tapas makes us shine like the Sun and then we can be a source of strength and warmth for others.