Nourishing Radiance
It’s affirming that modern science is validating the many health benefits of yoga. Research is showing that yoga reduces stress and anxiety, increases flexibility and strength, helps to manage chronic pain, improves heart health and sleep. This is all wonderful news and is what I have observed in my 20 years of practice and teaching. What is most profound and often not mentioned, is that this practice is truly transformative. Sometimes I feel like this should be part of our liability waiver, be aware that if you commit to this practice as a way of life you will not stay the same! Changing our minds, how we relate to ourselves and others and our fundamental understanding of who we are can rock our world. This change isn’t always easy or stress-free but it can guide us home to return to who we truly are.
This month we are exploring Tapas, the third Niyama or “observance” in the ethical guidelines of yoga. This teaching asks us to have discipline to stay in the fire of transformation while cultivating the discernment to practice what is useful. Tapas is often translated as ‘austerity’ and this can imply that we need to do hard things for the sake of cultivating discipline. This completely misses the intention and the gift of Tapas and can interfere with our judgment about what practices are beneficial. Instead, cultivating a radiant body and clear mind is what is really at the core of Tapas. Though there may be discomfort as we change physical or mental habits, suffering is not the objective. This concept is close to home for me as I am in the midst of my spring Ayurvedic cleanse. Though I’m giving up some of my comfort foods and shifting my habits, I know from past experiences I will be cultivating a clarity and spaciousness in my body and mind that is so worth it. Each time I return to this cleanse practice it gives me an opportunity to let go of attachments and remind myself that change is a choice. This realization reminded me of the powerful teachings in the Yoga Sutras on practice.
1.12: The Two Pillars -Abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyāṁ tan-nirodhaḥ: The mental modifications are stilled by practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya).
1.13: Definition of Practice -Tatra sthitau yatnaḥ abhyāsaḥ: Effort (yatnah) towards establishing a state of steadiness or stability (sthiti) of mind is practice.
1.14: Foundations of Practice Sa tu dīrgha-kāla nairantarya satkāra āsevitaḥ dṛḍha-bhūmiḥ: Practice becomes firmly grounded (dridha bhumih) only when cultivated over a long time (dirgha kala), without interruption (nairantarya), and with sincere devotion or earnestness (satkara).
This is such an important reminder that this practice is a slow and steady process of transformation. This path asks us to commit to consistent practice that may come in many forms. It may be attending classes to practice asana, mantra or meditation. It may be reading and learning about yoga philosophy. We need to continuously tune in to notice if what we are practicing is cultivating stability in our mind. Undoubtedly, our practice will evolve and change over the years. Are we bringing our full attention and open heart to our practice? Ultimately the practice becomes who we are rather than something we do. It is vital that we notice if we are attached to a particular outcome or are truly open to the mystery and trust the journey.
Much love,
Sue