Of course it was the hottest summer on record, just in time for the teaching about sitting in heat of the fire!
Whilst life has been heating up inside and out, around the world and closer to home, this teaching is one to remember.
Tapas: heat generated through concentrated effort, spiritual practice or self-discipline.
This is the traditional meaning of this third Niyama and I’d like to offer another perspective. One that feels more real to me. One that is of devotion.
- Discipline says, “I said I would, so I will.”
- Devotion says, “This matters to me, so I will.”
Devotion is choosing to keep showing up for what matters, especially when it isn’t easy and this has been my summer maybe yours too.
I have literally sat in this fire, with a fan in my face, lemon mint water and fresh watermelon on hand!
Arriving somewhere new and devoting myself to co-founding and creating an English-speaking community in Maremma called Maremma Mia. Rebuilding my work online as a Chinese medicine and holistic consultant to offer remote healing – out of necessity, and after a lot of resistance – responding to clients who are asking for help. Deepening my relationship with my partner as we establish new ground together. Becoming a full-time family with Leon after ten years of sharing his time, holding him through adolescence and a painful shift with his father – who has, in his heart, fallen bigtime from his throne.
And out of necessity and devotion, I kept showing up anyway. That resistance and then that showing up is Tapas.
Like the phoenix, which rises from the ashes, transformation does not happen without fire to burn away the old. We don’t get to skip the uncomfortable friction.
Devotion.
I stayed. I kept tending what mattered. Even though it has been hot, exhausting, emotional and difficult. And because I care deeply about what I’m building and the wellbeing of the people I love and serve.
In the middle of all this literal and metaphorical fire, I’ve been searching Maremma for water to throw myself into. Sea, rivers, pools. Any excuse to submerge.
Because fire needs balance. Cooling water and restoration are part of sustaining the vitality that keeps you going. That’s the other half of the practice.
Being devoted doesn’t require burning out.
The fire needs tending, and so do I.
Its not a competition and proving how much heat you can withstand. It’s staying and showing up to what matters when things are uncomfortable, and knowing how to replenish yourself so you can keep going.
In daily life, Tapas can look like:
- Keeping your word when it matters, even when the excitement has worn off.
- Returning to what’s difficult instead of walking away.
- Knowing what truly deserves your fire — and protecting that energy.
- Recognising when you need water, and letting yourself have it.
- Showing up not from force, but from devotion.
So as you move through your days, I leave you with this:
What deserves your fire — and what helps you keep it burning?
With love in all ways,
Dipika
