June Theme of the Month: Tapas
Stay in the Fire, Transform from Within.
Each month at Moonflower, we explore a theme rooted in the yogic and Ayurvedic traditions—something to inspire your practice both on and off the mat. This month, as summer begins to rise and bonfire season officially begins, we’re turning toward the Niyama of tapas.
What Are the Yamas and Niyamas?
Before diving in, let’s zoom out. The Yamas and Niyamas are foundational yogic principles—ethical and personal observances described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Think of the Yamas as social ethics (how we relate to the world), and the Niyamas as personal disciplines (how we relate to ourselves). Practicing them invites harmony, integrity, and growth.
Tapas: Self-Discipline, Commitment, and the Courage to Burn
Tapas is the third Niyama which asks us to practice self-discipline. Tapas calls on us to stay committed—to show up for what matters, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s the fire of transformation, and like all fire, it requires both fuel and surrender.
The root of tapas, tap, literally means to burn. Not only is it bonfire season—it's never a bad time to burn away the things that don’t serve us, and focus on the things that do. Whether you're facing resistance in your practice, relationships, or habits, tapas is the invitation to stay just a little longer—long enough to allow transformation.
Can you show courage and stay in the fire until you find the blessings?
- Catharine Larsen in The Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah Adele
Just like new life springs after a controlled burn, a blessing or transformation is promised when we practice tapas. When we burn, when we transform, we feel some heat and pain - we undergo suffering. In his translation of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sri Swami Satchidanada reveals to us:
Tapas also means to accept suffering.
Not for suffering’s sake, but because discipline, discomfort, and change are part of the alchemy of growth.
Practicing Tapas at the Moonflower
We’re embracing tapas this month not just personally, but collectively. In response to your feedback from our recent community survey, we are committed to creating more accessible paths to practice and participating in seva (selfless service)
Equity discounts are now available for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals. Our Equity Discounts offers 20% off Class Packs and Drop-In Class Rates, and the opportunity to become a Moonflower Member at the Founders Rate. Click here to request an Equity Discount.
We’re offering a donation-based yoga class at the Brookfield Farmers Market once a month, June through October. 50% of proceeds will be donated to a different local charity every month. Proceeds from the June 21 class will be donated to United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.
And in the spirit of reuse and care, we’re collecting used yoga mats for Gals on the Go Project - you can drop a gently used yoga mat off at the studio or at the Farmers Market on June 21 and we’ll bring it to the Delafield-based charity
These are just the first steps. We’re committed to the transformative measures of equity and community service—and we know it will continue to shape us.
Practicing Tapas On the Mat
Tapas shows up every time you hold a pose a breath longer than you’d like. It’s in that little tremble, that mental resistance that whispers, “You can’t.”
Can you stay?
Can you feel the discomfort without running—and let it show you what’s possible?
Practicing Tapas in Your Life
What’s one thing you can commit to this month?
It doesn’t need to be dramatic. Start small, start honest. My personal tapas this month?
Doing my laundry on time, and returning to my daily sadhana (spiritual practice).
Simple. Consistent. Fire-building.
What’s yours?
A Tapas-Inspired Ritual: Let It Burn
To seal your intention for this month, try this simple home ritual:
Light a bonfire (or a small safe fire in a candle or fireproof bowl).
Write down a few things that no longer serve you—habits, thought patterns, obligations.
Offer them to the fire. Watch them burn.
Sit quietly. Feel the release. Invite in what you do want to commit to.
This month, we invite you to burn. To stay. To transform.
To find the blessings in the fire.
In loving kindness,
Katie