I have a friend that quit drinking 8+ months ago. Every so often he will post progress updates on social media that are witty and at the same time things I often take for granted. For instance, when his senses came back after quitting smoking and drinking he said, “First of all, everyone smells terrible. Secondly, carrots are sweet and broccoli is delicious. And lastly, fuck cardio.”
I never knew that carrots weren’t sweet and broccoli has always been delicious. If we’re being completely honest, I’ll second the fuck cardio comment. I LOVE weights but running…well… not if I can help it.
As I’ve been following his journey and silently cheering him on it got me thinking about DISCIPLINE. Mainly how I’m lacking in discipline.
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When I was in the yoga teacher training we studied the Yamas and Niyamas. The Yamas and Niyamas are basically yoga rules to live by. It extends much deeper than backbends and heart opening postures.
Among these guidelines is Tapas.
Deborah Adele wrote The Yamas & Niyamas Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice. This book is priceless. I’ve read it quite a few times and was pleasantly surprised to see it on our book list for the yoga teacher training program. Each time I read this gem I find a new area to highlight or flag and now I don’t think there is one page that doesn’t have a mark on it.
In the chapter on Tapas she explains that, “Tapas has the sense of “cooking” ourselves in the fire of discipline to transform ourselves into something else. Tapas is the day to day choice to burn non-supportive habits of the body and mind, choosing to forsake momentary pleasures for future rewards.”
Hmmm…
How often do I choose momentary pleasures rather than the future rewards, embarrassingly probably daily, if I’m being honest. Don’t we tell ourselves that it’s easier to hit the fast-food poison than to cook a clean meal? We don’t have time for a workout but we can binge watch hours of TV?
Isn’t this all saying I don’t treat myself as a priority? That, I don’t have enough discipline to put myself first?
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Well my friend is inspiring me.
After decades of self sabotage he’s fighting for a change. If he can quit drinking and smoking after more than two decades of hitting it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I think I can step up my tapas game.
Here’s my promise to myself:
Before I forsake momentary pleasures for future rewards I will move my body. Before I get caught up in the chaos of the day I will sit in silence. When everything becomes too much to handle I will find a quiet place to breathe. Above all else, I will let my pen and journal soak up and release anything that I shouldn’t carry because it was never mine to hold on to. Today and everyday I choose me, FIRST; because (like L’Oreal says) I’m worth it.
What’s your personal manifesto?
Namaste,
Jes xoxo
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