Tapas, a Sanskrit term often translated as purification or austerity, serves as one of the foundational principles in yoga philosophy.
This disciplined process of purification frequently begins on a physical level but extends far deeper, fostering growth and self discovery.
I was reminded of this through a story shared by one of my teachers.
Early in her yoga journey over 55 years ago, she lacked both strength and flexibility but possessed one crucial quality: persistence.
Despite initial discouragement, she committed to her practice, cultivating patience along the way.
This unwavering dedication transformed her into the extraordinary teacher she is today.
A Late but Transformative Start
My own yoga journey began at the age of 55.
Before discovering yoga, my life revolved around music.
I studied classical singing, performed semi professionally, and even founded a nonprofit music organization.
Through singing, I honed my understanding of breath control, which laid the foundation for my exploration of pranayama, or “life force control.”
Breath control is as vital for an opera singer performing outdoors without a microphone as it is for a yoga practitioner seeking to unite the mind and body.
Remarkably, in just three minutes, breath exercises can establish a profound sense of connection.
Curiosity became my guiding principle as I embarked on this journey.
I delved into the works of yoga luminaries such as B.K.S. Iyengar, whose book “Light on Yoga” became a cornerstone of my learning.
I also explored “Light on Pranayama”, opening myself to a wealth of resources that deepened my understanding of yoga’s potential.
Though I had physical strength from years of exercise and attention to nutrition, I quickly realized my flexibility needed improvement.
Starting small, I practiced yoga at home using short DVDs, including the accessible “Yoga with Adriene”.
Over time, my commitment grew.
After three years of solo practice, I felt ready to join a group yoga class.
The Search for Something Deeper
Stepping into my first class marked the beginning of a quest for deeper meaning.
I explored classes from 60 to 70 different teachers and styles, embodying the Sanskrit concept of neti neti (not this, not that).
Slowly, I began to trust my intuition, uncovering moments of bliss and a desire to delve into the philosophical aspects of yoga.
This ultimately led me to pursue yoga teacher training, not only to deepen my practice but also to protect myself from potential injuries during group classes.
Through these studies, I learned to quiet my “monkey mind” and discovered the richness life offers when we confront internal conflicts.
This awareness, often complemented by therapeutic modalities like psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, forms the core of my approach: Conscious Integrative Therapy (CIT).
Is Suffering a Choice?
A recurring theme in therapy discussions is the question: Is suffering a choice?
While it’s neither helpful nor accurate to tell someone in pain that suffering is a choice, it’s essential to acknowledge that suffering is part of the human experience.
As the adage says, “It never gets easier, but you do get stronger.”
Yoga has taught me to attach new, empowering meanings to my experiences.
The wisdom of spiritual teachers, that everything we seek is already within us, resonates deeply, though it can take years to fully comprehend.
For anyone interested in exploring this concept, I recommend Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha”, available as a YouTube audiobook.
The Power of Pranayama
Pranayama remains a vital component of my practice.
Whether learning to breathe naturally or mastering techniques like Ujjayi Breathing in Krishnamacharya Vinyasa Yoga, breathwork sustains and enhances life force energy.
Mudras, or hand gestures, complement pranayama by directing and balancing this energy.
These techniques empower practitioners to adjust energy flow, enriching the overall yoga experience.
Lessons in Letting Go
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the art of letting go.
Early in my journey, I often asked my teachers how to release attachments.
Even a Buddhist monk struggled to provide a definitive answer.
Over time, I discovered that when I let go of my expectations, the things I believed were lost often returned in unexpected ways.
This taught me that abundance is not measured by material wealth but by the flow of energy and experiences in our lives.
The Transformative Path of Tapas
Yoga, pranayama, and asana form a journey of continuous purification and discovery.
This path challenges us to explore not only our physical capabilities but also the depths of our minds and spirits.
By embracing tapas with curiosity and commitment, we uncover the profound interconnectedness of breath, movement, and self awareness, guiding us toward a more abundant and fulfilling life.
