Inspiration and News from Inner Fire Yoga

The practice of yoga extends far beyond practicing the physical postures known as asanas. It includes a deep, rich philosophy that embraces an entire way of viewing and responding to the world and life. One part of yoga philosophy is a categorization of five major negative behaviors that practitioners are encouraged to avoid, these are known as the "yamas". There are also five categories of positive behaviors known as the "niyamas". These are: 1) keeping the body and mind pure, 2) self-discipline, 3) training the senses, 4) studying the Divine, and 5) surrendering to the Divine.

Here, we examine the niyama of "self-discipline".

Often, when people think of self-discipline, they think of a struggle or a fight against something they desire. In this sense, self-discipline takes on a negative connotation, one of self-deprivation and self-sacrifice. For example, "I can't eat that cake," or "I can't sleep in," or "I can't go to yoga because I have to _____________ (fill in the blank)".

However, it is possible to flip this view and see that, in actuality, self-discipline is not self-deprivation. Actually, it is a means by which people can have and attain exactly what they want. For example, "By eating the right kinds of foods, I can have the health and beauty I desire;" or "By getting up early, I can accomplish my goals for the day;" or "by practicing yoga, I can achieve my goal of ____________ (fill in the blank)." So in reality self-discipline is the way to attain goals and desires. By choosing self-discipline, it is possible to not only move towards a certain goal but also to reinforce a sense of self that helps to achieve other goals as well.

It should come as no surprise that practicing yoga on a regular basis is a practice of self-discipline. Just getting to class-especially on time-often takes great discipline. By practicing asana, focusing on the breath and cultivating awareness of internal mental dialogue, it is possible to tune-in to the body/mind and the importance of keeping it healthy and strong. By slowing down the chatter in the mind, one can tap into a deeper self, and let go of unhealthy thoughts and belief systems that hinder emotional and/or spiritual growth.

Self-discipline strengthens every time a yoga student practices staying on his/her yoga mat for the entire class, all the while remaining calm and being still in the pose (and even in-between yoga poses). It entails moving harmoniously and smoothly in the flow, whether it is the flow of the breath, the vinyasa, the instructions, or the energy in room...all the while giving 100% best effort to every class. When you find yourself holding a difficult pose, shaking and shuddering, with every muscle crying out, and your mind yelling at you to "please bring an end to this mental and physical pain right now!", this is the time to take note of the breath, to feel the experience fully, and to let go of the false mind. This practice is the essence of the niyama of "self discipline". It is through the practice of self discipline that self-realization occurs, with the added benefits of physical health and mental peace.