Happy Summer Solstice, Everyone!
Tapas, the ethic of self-discipline, is associated with fire and the heat that is created when we make a strong effort to form a good habit or correct an unhelpful one.
Practicing ‘tapas’ is like playing with fire. In order to cook our food we need to apply just the right amount of heat. Too little fire, and the food doesn’t get cooked. Too much fire, and the food becomes scorched.
Proper practice of self-discipline means that we apply just the right amount of effort/heat, and the result is helpful to our bodies and minds.
If we have a tendency to underuse the fire element, this shows up as weak will, lack of discipline. The result is that we see no positive gain from our lackluster efforts.
And, if we apply too much heat/effort, then we end up doing more harm than good. I can go there, and the results aren’t great… Like the summer I decided it was a good idea to race my bike up a steep mountain five days a week during the hottest part of the day as fast as I could go. Fun, yes! But it took a toll on my body, resulting in a number of heat related symptoms.
What’s your relationship to the fire element? Here in Western North Carolina, we recently had our first week of 90 degree weather this year. During summer, the season ruled by Pitta Dosha, the proper practice of tapas will include strategies to KEEP COOL.
With that in mind, this week’s recording offers an asana practice which calms the fire element through forward folds, slow and flowing movements, cooling pranayama, and time to chill out in yin and restorative poses.
I hope you enjoy!
Tapas/Calming Inner Fire: 63 min. Vinyasa Flow & Yin/Gentle Yoga (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/722627188/2d0c40c7ca
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This recording is offered for free. If you enjoy it and know someone else who would, please forward this email :-)
If you’re able and would like to make a $1-$10 love offering/recording, many thanks!
Paypal = shalarain@gmail.com
Venmo = @Shala-Worsley
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You can find me in the studio at Asheville Yoga Center:
July 8-10 Restorative Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation
Co-led with Gota Cebrero; All are welcome! Register at https://www.youryoga.com/300-hour-tt/
Here's my weekly class schedule:
Mondays in-person at Asheville Yoga Center:
4-5:15 Warm Gentle, Restorative, & Yin
5:30-6:45 Hot Vinyasa Flow & Yin
Wednesdays In-person at Asheville Yoga Center:
12-1:15 Hot Vinyasa Flow & Yin
Would love to see you there!
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