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Tapas Nyama - The Life-Changing Powers of Self-Discipline

 

There are 10 Yamas and 10 Niyamas - yogic take on human values and ethical practices that help us reach our full potential for personal, spiritual, and professional growth, and to liberate us from the repetitive cycle of suffering. When we live in contradiction to the highest values, when we avoid taking the higher road -  we can get stuck in a rat. 

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This month we are diving into our ability of self-discipline and self-regulation. 

 

I look at self-discipline as a lesson that some of us have been exampled during our developmental period, and some of us have not. Regardless of whether we were taught it or not, self-discipline is a noble practice, it is our birthright, the fundamental tool we can use to achieve anything, to develop ourselves, and to share all of our given gifts.

I think that our life comes with unavoidable pain - the pain of showing up through discomfort, the pain of waking up early, the pain of hard work, of choosing not to react, or on the other side, there’s the pain of regret, what ifs,  rumination, procrastination, or feeling stuck.  The fire that burns regret is the fire of discipline. The great news is that self-discipline is a tool we can implement at any age! If we haven't learned something decades ago, a better way is always possible today. When I put my head on the pillow at the end of the day, knowing that I chose to honor my values, it helps me sleep better, plus that feeling is empowering.

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In this PODCAST Episode where I talk about the human superpower of self-discipline, and what motivates me to maintain my commitment to daily self-care and making moment-to-moment choices for the greater good. The episode finishes with a little bit of breathing and EFT, an emotional freedom technique tapping exercise. Discipline is a big part of Yogic philosophy that helps us with our personal, professional, and spiritual growth. There is a pandemic of marketing misinformation from fitness trends, and cults. It is important to clarify our vision and work our way to unlearn the limiting beliefs, including the toxic body image and unsustainable goals behind so many fads. 

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5 Steps to Embody Self-Discipline

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1. We decide to Grow up. If we have not modeled self-discipline at the early stage of development, we have to consciously choose to implement it going forward. While there is nothing we can do with our PAST habits and experiences, today, as adults and we have ALL the power to pursue our development, to 'wisely parent' ourselves. As the first step to embodying this life-changing value, we have to make a firm decision to grow into the best version of ourselves.

 

2. Let go of past habits, and forgive ourselves, and our past. We have to forgive ourselves for buying into the misbelief that we aren't capable of making self-honoring choices. Self-forgiveness is key. It was not our fault that we haven't learned self-regulation in our childhood.

 

3. Mental hygiene. If we have more self-doubting thoughts than self-empowering thoughts at any given moment, procrastination becomes a life-saver. How would I ever, if I know I can't?  When self-doubting thoughts are more common than self-empowering, procrastination is a solution for keeping things as we believe them to be. Thoughts, if not tempered, can put us in prison. There will never be a new routine possible unless we clean up our mental mess. In yogic texts, it's often translated as 'burning in the fire' all the outdated garbage (pardon my language) that holds us back. Mental hygiene is meditation, breathwork, journaling, and neutrally observing our mental patterns. We build awareness of all the self-critical thoughts that disempower us, and we mark those thoughts as untrue, we ignore them so they eventually lose their power to sabotage us.

 

Disempowering thoughts sound like: 'I cannot stick to a workout routine, I always quit, I am not good at remembering names, I am not good at... Yoga is not for me,  It's hard to find a partner,  I am not an early bird,  I am too old for XYZ,  I am too short/tall/uncoordinated/unbalanced/weak,   I'm not educated enough,   I don't like snow,  I am afraid of mosquitos,  I cannot quit XYZ,  Learning languages is hard,  I'm not creative' .. etcetera.  I can prove to you all those thoughts are untrue by the fact that there are at least 100 million people (and I'm being conservative) who are less educated than you, shorter, older, you name it who have accomplished whatever it is you tell yourself you can't.  We either think that we can, or we think we aren't capable - choose wiser.

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So, step 2 is to catalog our repetitive self-doubting thoughts, put that useless archive into a fire, and watch our hearts Glow up with what's possible

 

4. Take the 'mind's I' out  - and put your heart in. Take your self-doubting self out of the equation and think bigger, open your heart, and commit to your growth and wellbeing as your responsibility for the greater good. When we think beyond our isolated self, we ignite our heart, and when our heart is in it, we flood with courage, inspiration, and drive. Our gifts need to be shared, our wellbeing contributes to the health of our community, and our story deserves to be told. Know that your self-discipline will make this world a better place.

 

5. Together we GLOW - together we take action. We are social beings and we mirror, lead by example, and inspire each other. Find a community that supports your growth, or reach out to a friend who is on the path you'd like to take, and simply tag along! When we surround ourselves with people who are self-aware, people who prioritize wellbeing and continuous learning, we are on a road to grace. Step 5 is to sign up for any group class, group coaching, or support group, and open your heart to the continuous learning and growing available for you to experience the richness life has to offer.  This month our teachers will be exploring the Tapas, looking at different angles of fostering self-discipline and truthfully looking at our habits of procrastination, the limiting beliefs that block us from taking full advantage of our potential. 

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I look forward to seeing you in classes this month as we continue to cultivate self-awareness, clarity, and peace—on and off the mat. 💫​

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Sending so much love. Let's stay curious about self-care that serves our well-being, connection, and growth in every area of our precious life ❤️❤️❤️

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Natasha & Glowing Team 

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The material on my blog cannot be shared or quoted without my reference. Thank you for reading!

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SPIRITUAL RESOURCES WE LOVE:

 

1. Adyashanti recordings - he has many recorded sanghas I like listening to on my walks >

2. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer (constantly, on repeat  - it's a lifelong reminder) >

3. The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. I read it in print in the mornings -contemplative meditations to start my day with >

4. Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition. by Christopher Wallis >

5. The Spiritual Psychology teacher Michelle Chalfant's Adult Chair Podcast >

6. Weekly recordings from the Spirit Rock The Heart Wisdom Podcast of Jack Kornfield >

7. OUR LIST OF MUST-READ BOOKS >

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WHAT CLASSES DOES GLOW OFFER? 

 

Holistic Yoga, Barre, Pilates, Strength, Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Education, Inflammation Relief & Massage are the pillars of the Glow Program. Whether you're 15 or 85 - daily strengthening paired with tension & stress release is essential for feeling good in your body. Your life is now. Here. In the city. Go outside, move, make new friends, learn new ways, and enjoy yourself every day. 

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ENJOY OUR WEEKENDS WITH WELLNESS EXPERIENCES

 

Your life is now. Here. In the city. Make it more meaningful, enjoy it, and do something different. We are bringing a variety of holistic leaders and healers to educate, unwind, nurture our spirit, and entertain our curiosity every weekend > ​

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