Tapas

Written By Lisa Vratny-Smith

The Niyama we are exploring this week is Tapas, typically translated as austerity or discipline. Tapas represents the heat, passion, and discipline of learning or change in our lives. It is committing to ourselves and applying the energy and focus to achieve that which we seek, whether it relates to our yoga practice or some other aspect of our lives.

When I first committed myself to a daily yoga practice I began with something I felt was achievable, which was 4 sun salutations (2 on each side) each morning before I got in the shower. It took approximately 4 minutes and became a regular part of my daily routine. I then explored how neck and shoulder stretches before bed eased tension and helped me sleep. From this foundation I began to build longer practices into my mornings and evenings, committing myself the minimum and extending as time allowed. I have continued this practice, this tapas, for more than 20 years and it is the foundation of my commitment to myself and my practice every single day. Each of us can use tapas to support our goals on and off the mat each day.

Please join me this weekend for Saturday Morning Yoga as we commit to caring for ourselves through the practice of meeting our bodies with lovingkindness and contentment moment by moment.

The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion via Zoom starts on Sunday October 12. In this 6 session course you will learn to use the skills of mindfulness to develop the inner resource of self-compassion and enhance your capacity for emotional wellbeing. More course details are available below and on my website. 9 hours of CEs available. I will also be offering the full MSC course over 10 weeks through the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work Continuing Education on Tuesday evenings beginning October 7 with 20 CE hours. Register at Mindful Self-Compassion 10 Week Course.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for an in person Winter Solstice Mini-Retreat for Rest & Renewal on December 20 from 3-5 PM at Harmonist Sanctuary, Denver.

EDUCATORS! Registration is open for next summer’s Mindfulness Retreat for Educators. Space is limited, so sign up early!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!

I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.

As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel.You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free, the latest is a Chakra Clearing Sound Bath. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.

May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️

Lisa Vratny-Smith
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