At our yoga studio, the mornings start early—6 a.m. to be exact, with a group of great teachers-Geni, Tara & Agnes leading our sunrise warriors! This had me thinking about 2 important parts of yoga philosophy. In fact, in Yoga Teacher training one of my first papers was on this topic. Beyond the flow of asanas, we dive into deeper principles that guide not just our practice, but our lives. Two of those principles are Tapas (discipline) and Santosha (contentment), both Sanskrit terms that offer us wisdom for the modern world.
What are Tapas and Santosha? Tapas is discipline—the fire that fuels your commitment to your practice. It's the force that brings you to your mat even on days when it's hard, when your schedule is full, or when your body feels sluggish. It's the reminder to stick to your goals and intentions.
Santosha, on the other hand, is about contentment. It’s being at peace with where you are in your journey, whether you hit all your goals or miss a class. It’s finding acceptance in the fact that sometimes life doesn’t go as planned, and that’s okay.
How to Bring Tapas and Santosha into Your Week Start by recommitting to your intentions. Why do you practice yoga? What do you want to get out of it? Set aside time to reflect on your goals. One of the simplest yet most effective tips is to book your classes ahead. Carve out time to schedule your yoga sessions for the week. I like to schedule things on Sundays, but use whatever day works for you. This sets you up for success, ensuring you’re more likely to show up. And if something comes up? Show yourself grace. It's not about perfection—it's about the journey.
Tapas fuels your discipline, but Santosha reminds you to have compassion for yourself. Missed a few classes? It’s okay. Did your body not respond the way you expected it to on the mat? Embrace it. These moments are all part of your yoga experience.
As we move through the season of transition, may you bring both discipline and contentment to your practice. We’re here to support you on your yoga journey—whether you’re seeking advice on the best classes or simply need encouragement. Let’s chat, connect, and grow together.
See you in class soon!
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