Upon further research I delved a little deeper into the tradition of Lent and was curious to revisit some of the history of this old custom. Lent, signifying the 40 days of intense spiritual practice, hardship and fasting that Jesus went through before his public ministry, is still observed as a 40 day practice where people from many religious and spiritual traditions use as a time of sacrifice. Often characterized by giving something up, or starting an intense spiritual practice of some kind.
I remember many years ago during a long stay at Yasohara Ashram in BC a "Tapas Practice" was introduced. It was right around this time too, very close to Lent. Tapas in the yogic traditions is one of the Niyamas (personal/moral observances). Literally in Sanskrit it means "heat" or "fire". And Tapas symbolically represents the discipline and burning desire of longing for transformation, or closeness with the Divine, that keeps us practicing. It's that fire that gets you out of the house and into the yoga class on the days you'd rather just stay at home and mope because you know that actually honoring your commitment to get to class will ultimately bring you closer to that which you seek- whether that's a calmer mind, better fitness, more joy, a lighter heart. You know you'll feel so much better after! Tapas also has an element of austerity to it and I think of it as a purification. Fire, indeed can be very cleansing. In fact I often refer to my yoga practice(s) as "Rituals Of Purification". Be that - mentally, physically or emotionally.
But as with all things Yoga, Tapas requires fluidity, flexibility and balance. Too much fire can literally scorch everything in sight. One of my favorite local Yoga Teachers from De La Sol Yoga in Hamilton recently said the following:
"I've been noticing the moments when discipline becomes fanaticism... When a life that is meant to be open becomes constricted and begins to suffocate... When the fire of Tapas that is meant to help us shine, begins to burn a hole straight through... When the dryness of asceticism cracks the skin... Take a nap:))"Steve Ferrell
Oh Steve Ferrell...I couldn't agree more!
It's no surprise that Shiva, the Hindu God whose mantra is used for protection and removal of obstacles - is often depicted dancing in a ring a fire. The perfect symbol, really for Tapas.
During that time at the Ashram everyone in residence there participated in the Tapas Practice. So for 40 days we were encouraged to add something to our existing spiritual practices that, as one of my teachers put it, 'involved some kind of sacrifice'. At that time I chose to do a special meditation involving the Divine Light Invocation which I performed 10 times a day for 40 days. As well, I gave up drinking coffee.(which turned out to be much harder than the meditation practice, surprisingly!)
Overall the whole experience was really amazing and provided me with endless opportunities for reflection as well as re-igniting a certain spark in me that I found refreshingly invigorating. I think it's good to move away from your comfort zone, willingly, sometimes. Just to prove to yourself that a) you can, and b) to be able to take a closer look at yourself and where energy/intent is being invested. It's a well known fact that having a specific goal increases focus, inspiration, and a certain motivation that propels you forward.
So I decided that perhaps over these next 40 days of Lent I would experiment with giving up wine. Something I love, something that brings pleasure to my life. When I announced this to a few friends these were some of the exact responses I got:
"Whaaaaaaaaaat??? Noooooo. Be civil!"
"Whoa. Slow down there. Don't be rash!"
"Jones. Calm down."
Hahahahahahahaa! I guess it's more than a little funny how wine has permeated our culture here in the Wine Region of Southern Ontario. Surrounded in all directions by orchards, and grapes and some of Canada's finest wines; a glass of Pinot has become just as meaningful in our social gatherings as the company we share. So - although frowned on by many friends, I have decided to significantly reduce my wine consumption while also ramping up my personal yoga practice to include a 40 day strong fire practice with a couple Kundalini Kriyas for forgiveness,clearing fear and invoking new and wonderful changes.
By the end of this 40 day practice - it will be spring! And everything will be re-energized, re-newed and full of vitality.
So - what are you giving up for Lent?
Om Namah Shivaya
Beautiful post heather. Thanks for the shout out:))
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