In the Storm
Tapping into our inner fire
Tapas
Tapping into our inner fire
Tapas
Does anyone else feel a little windburned from plowing through little life storms this week? Frustrated with trying to keep motivated between the wind gusts of life? Goodness!
It’s this time of year that I find myself needing the image of life as a storm, raging around me, while I stand calmly in the middle. I find comfort in the Christian saying: “Sometimes God allows the storm to rage, choosing instead to calm his child”. Yoga adds to this image by offering the idea of fire. When the crabby, anxious, raging storm gets into our heart, yoga suggests we burn it out. Build literal heat by exercising. Or build energetic heat by meditating or praying.
We sometimes think of yoga as being all “zen” but actually, this inner fire (called tapas) is one of the 4 personal Niyamas for finding balance in your life. Sometimes the power of fire is called for!
When I let the storm rage around me and build a strong, fiery center, I end up feeling … hmmm… not in control. Maybe more like…balanced, flexible. As the storm winds start up, I can bend and flex and stay somewhat upright.
So here’s to staying somewhat upright this coming week!
Until next time,
Laura
