Tapas Yoga Niyamas

The Fire Within: Finding Joy in Discipline

February reflections

As February arrives, the light begins to shift. The days stretch a little longer, the mornings grow softer — a quiet reminder that winter will eventually give way to spring.

Do you feel re-energised by this returning light? Or, like me, are you still moving between winter sluggishness and sudden bursts of energy?

The Power of Tapas

One of my students recently said to me, “The rewards of self-discipline are immense.”That stayed with me.

In yoga, this quality of discipline is known as Tapas — one of the five Niyamas, or inner observances, from the eight limbs of yoga.

The Sanskrit word Tapas can be translated as “austerity,” “discipline,” or even “burning enthusiasm.”It’s the warmth of effort, the inner fire that keeps us showing up — even when we don’t feel like it.

Discipline in Everyday Life

For me, Tapas often shows up at the swimming pool. I swim twice a week with my son. His class ensures that I go — but once I’m there, the real challenge begins: convincing myself to get in the water.

Yet every single time I do, I come out renewed.And the one week I skipped it, I missed it terribly.

That’s Tapas — the gentle fire that reminds us: the effort is always worth it.

Showing Up for Yourself

What about you?How easy is it for you to come to your weekly yoga class?Are you still to start — or perhaps ready to come back after a break?

Yoga, for me, has always been my happy place.In a country where grey skies and cold weather often discourage outdoor activity, my mat has never failed me.

There’s always something new to explore. Lately, I’ve been having so much fun with inversion drills — learning the foundations of handstands and shoulder balances. I haven’t mastered them yet, but the joy of trying keeps me going.

That’s the heart of Tapas — not perfection, but devotion to the process.

Joy in the Journey

Sometimes the joy of yoga arrives instantly — the moment your back touches the mat, and your body exhales, I’m home.Other times, the benefits unfold slowly, days later, like a quiet echo.

And then there are times when practice feels stagnant — until suddenly, something shifts. A pose softens. The breath deepens.You notice ease.That effortless effort.

As long as there’s joy in the journey, you’re on the right path.Yoga isn’t a destination. It’s a living, breathing journey that evolves with you.

With warmth,Hélène