Newsletter #8 - Tapas.. Or how Freezing Weather Wouldn't Stop Lancaster Yogis

The other night, the temperature dropped to minus three degrees. I arrived to class prepared to teach, but felt I would be lucky if only a handful of students showed. A fiery practice was planned, as my theme was Tapas, which translates as heat.  
 
The Yogis started to arrive and (to my surprise) they kept coming. Although I would have understood the allure of Netflix and a couch, I was delighted when 28 students showed up. Ironically their dedication to the practice, despite the weather, is at the heart of what Tapas is all about. 
 
Deborah Adele author of the Yamas and Niyamas explains that when we continue (even through adversity) to show up (for our jobs, relationships, and well yes, yoga practice!) we can eventually be molded into a person of greater depth. Who of us doesn’t know someone who has had to work through a tough situation or, even a crisis, and has come out a better person for it? You probably even have been that person. The question she asks is, “Can we stay with the burning integrity…and hold (out) for the (later) blessings?”  I think we can.
 
Stay fiery, 
Laura
 
*Tapas is one of the Niyamas (self-observances), which part of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. (Not the small pieces of delicious food.)