The Power of Taking Action in Your Yoga Practice
Alright, let’s be real for a minute. Summer’s come and gone and if you’re anything like most of us, your Yoga mat might have spent more time rolled up in the corner than under your feet. Life gets busy, routines slip, and before you know it, you’re feeling a bit disconnected—from your practice, from your goals, and maybe even from yourself.
But here’s the thing: it’s never too late to get back on track. Whether you’ve lapsed in your practice or you’re finally ready to go beyond the surface level and dive into something more meaningful, this month is all about taking action.
Why Taking Action Matters
Let’s talk about why taking action is so crucial, not just in Yoga but in every area of your life. We all have goals, dreams, and aspirations—whether they’re related to our health, relationships, or overall lifestyle. But without action, those goals remain just that: dreams. Yoga, when practiced in its true form, isn’t just about fitness or flexibility—it’s a powerful tool for transformation. It’s about developing the discipline, strength, and energy you need to make real, lasting changes in your life.
Introducing Tapas and Tejas
This month, we’re inviting you to embrace two essential concepts from the Yoga tradition: Tapas and Tejas.
Tapas is all about discipline and burning away the impurities that hold you back. It’s the fire that strengthens you, helping you overcome your tendencies and addictions—whether that’s the habit of skipping your practice, reaching for junk food when stressed, or staying stuck in a negative mindset. Tapas is the inner heat that drives you to keep the promises you’ve made to yourself, to push past discomfort, and to grow stronger in the process.
Then there’s Tejas, the energy and vitality that comes from consistent practice. Think of Tejas as your inner glow—the charisma and vibrancy that radiates from within when you’re fully engaged in life. It’s the spark that keeps you motivated, the force that helps you stay committed to your goals even when the going gets tough.
Leaning into Discomfort
Let’s not sugarcoat it: taking action and staying committed to your goals often means leaning into discomfort. Whether it’s the discomfort of a challenging pose, the discipline required to stick to a routine, or the effort it takes to break an old habit, growth rarely happens in the comfort zone.
But here’s the silver lining—discomfort is where the magic happens. It’s in those moments when you push past resistance, overcome inertia, and tap into that inner reservoir of strength and energy that you really start to transform. This is where Tapas and Tejas work hand in hand—Tapas gives you the discipline to stay the course, while Tejas keeps you motivated and vibrant along the way.
The Yoga of Action: Kriya Yoga
To tie this all together, let’s look at what Patanjali, the great sage of Yoga, says about the Yoga of Action, or Kriya Yoga. In his Sutras, Patanjali outlines three key components of Kriya Yoga: Tapas (discipline), Swadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power). These are the actions that move us closer to the ultimate goal of Yoga, which is Samadhi—a state of union, balance, and deep peace.
By embracing Tapas, you develop the discipline to stay committed to your practice and your goals. Through Swadhyaya, you cultivate self-awareness, understanding your tendencies and patterns, and making conscious choices that align with your highest self. And with Ishvara Pranidhana, you learn to let go of control and trust in the process, surrendering to the flow of life with faith and grace.
Getting Back on the Mat: Your Call to Action
So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’ve been away from your mat for a few weeks or you’re just starting to explore Yoga beyond the basics, now is the perfect time to take action. This is your opportunity to reconnect with your practice, recommit to your goals, and start making real progress—both on and off the mat.
If you’re local, come and join us in the studio. We’ve got a full timetable of classes that cater to all levels, including beginners. It’s the perfect way to reignite your practice and get back into the groove with the support of our amazing community.
For those who can’t make it to the studio, our YL App has everything you need to stay motivated and committed. With on-demand classes, weekly teachings, and seasonal courses, you can practice anytime, anywhere—whether you’re at home, on holiday, or squeezing in a session between meetings. The app is designed to keep you engaged, inspired, and on track with your practice, no matter where life takes you.
Commit to Your Growth
Taking action is about more than just getting back on your mat. It’s about making a commitment to your growth, your goals, and your dreams. It’s about developing the discipline to stay the course, the energy to keep moving forward, and the faith to trust in the process.
This month, let’s embrace the power of Tapas and Tejas. Let’s lean into discomfort, overcome resistance, and cultivate the qualities that will help us stay true to the promises we’ve made to ourselves. Whether you’re here with us in the studio or joining us from afar, we’re excited to support you on this journey. So roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and let’s get to work. Your goals are within reach, and it all starts with that first step.
