The inevitability (and benefit) of self-sabotage in yoga

Sometimes when we commit to a particular spiritual path, despite our best conscious intention, we can get off track.  In fact, it can seem as if we’re being downright self-destructive and sabotaging our efforts.  But just like mistakes are vital …

Light a fire under your asana & transform

Photo Credit: Amarha58 Flickr

Fire is transformative.  As a bolt of lightning, it has the power to turn sand into glass.  As the sun, it has the power to bring life through it’s warmth, and illuminate the darkness with its light.  As passion, and dedication to yoga practice, fire has the power to transform the body, mind and soul.

In Sanskrit the root of the word tapas is “tap”, meaning to heat, burn, purify.  In yoga, Tapas is one of the Niyamas, or observances of self-control, in the Yoga Sutras that refers to an austerity or strict discipline of practice.  Tapas is the burning zeal in practice that comes from the desire to purify the body and seek spiritual enlightenment.  A desire to transform.

Alice’s Wonderland has nothing on meditating…

“‘I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next …