Keep the Fires Burning!

The concept of fire has so much meaning in our lives.  We have "fire in our belly" which can mean that we have a lot of attitude!  Having fire in our belly can also be a physical manifestation of digestion and/or energy.  In yoga, we refer to fire as TAPAS.  This is the internal energy and drive that we put into our daily living.  It is when we work hard to achieve, improve or change the world.  Tapas is the burning and yearning to move forward and is the opposite of the "couch potato"!

However, there is also an importance to rest and relaxation, since without this we can burn ourselves out.  The flames can get to big and dangerous to our health. 

What I do know, is that once the fire goes out, it is really hard to relight it.   It feels like we are just struggling by rubbing two sticks together.  Things smolder, spark, and are so hard to re-light.  So,  our daily yoga practice is what we do to keep the fire burning at a mesmerizing level.  The kind of fire that you want to gaze at for hours!    Our regular practices keeps this fire stoked in a steady and healthy pace, without burning down the house, and without letting the waters of our tears put it out.  

Yes, it will rain and yes, the winds of change will pick up the fire now and then.  No matter what happens, our daily yoga practice will keep the fires burning in a way that keeps us health in body, mind and spirit.  I would love to hear from all of you how yoga keeps your fire burning!

With health and vitality, Linda