Tapas, self-discipline, is the third Niyama.  Tapas literally means heat. Transformation requires heat.  Dough is baked in the oven to form bread, clay is fired in the kiln to create pottery, iron and glass are passed through the flames so that they may be molded and shaped. So too must we hold ourselves to the fire of self-discipline in order to reach our goals. We do this by getting out of our comfort zone and doing the opposite of what we like: Signing up for Restorative Yoga instead of Power or Hot Yoga, putting down the remote control and starting a journal, turning off the video game and spending time with people, swapping cookies for carrots, closing the laptop (when your done reading this post!) and unrolling your yoga mat.

Through discipline comes freedom.

–Aristotle

Here’s how I practice Tapas in my professional and personal life:

I stepped way out of my comfort zone when I started my business in 2014.  I could have taken the more secure route, but instead I dove into the unfamiliar world of self-employment.  It turned out to be the best decision.  Now that I feel comfortable in my business, I practice Tapas by writing these weekly blog posts. I’ve never considered writing one of my strengths, so I’m once again out of professional comfort zone, creating a new habit, and cultivating a new skill.

A couple years ago, I would have said my ideal day started with sleeping in and ended with watching television.  I was not a morning person and I couldn’t get started without coffee. Then about 18 months ago, I started getting up a little earlier to meditate before my first cup of coffee.  I didn’t like feeling like I was dragging myself out of bed in the morning. I decided I needed to get to sleep earlier.  To break my nightly T.V. habit, I imposed a no-screen rule one hour before bed, no T.V., computer, tablet, or phone, and instead started journaling. Recently, I’ve been getting up even earlier to practice yoga before meditating.  Most days I awake before the alarm feeling refreshed.  In the past month, I decided to cut my caffeine down to ¼ my previous daily intake, something I never thought I would do. I drink more tea now.  It was rough for the first two weeks, but I have acclimated.

Self-disciple is my life.  As a type A, introverted, slight workaholic who relies on routine, and prefers to be in control, getting uncomfortable for me means doing something fun, adventurous, creative, or spontaneous.  I practice Tapas by saying YES when these situations come up in the form of invitations and opportunities.  I’ve gone tubing and rowing even though I’m afraid of water, I rode a roller coaster (never again!) just to say I did it, I’ve played Settlers of Catan (what?), I’ve done paint night and pottery painting even though I haven’t an artistic cell in my body. I look forward to life’s little adventures that take me out of my comfort zone, get me to try new things, go new places, have new experiences, and meet new people.

Up next in part nine: Svadhyaya, self-study

Alicia Cross is a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, and Yoga Instructor with more than 15 years’ experience working with clients in classes and one-on-one.  She is a yogi, meditator, vegan, and lifter of heavy things. If you’re ready to discover the strength and peace that comes from within, email Alicia@AliciaCrossTraining.com.