Those of us in the northern hemisphere are experiencing the predominance of the fire element this summer.  The physical heat of summer generally promotes growth and fruition (plants and trees), but many people are suffering from its intensity this year.    On a subtler, spiritual level, there is an internal fire that promotes spiritual growth by burning off the psychic toxins that diminish our clarity and awareness of the truth.  For this reason and season, we choose to practice the Yoga principle of Tapas.

Tapas literally means to burn and is often translated either as austerity or acceptance of pain.   This teaching implies that when we accept pain in any form, we can learn and grow in important ways, but let’s look at some examples to clarify what this means for us.

There are many examples of the cleansing and healing effects of heat, like the use of saunas and hot compresses; even a fever is the body’s way of fighting infection.  But physical pain that comes to us uninvited can be a very difficult teacher, showing us the limitations of the physical body as a dependable source of happiness.

Physical pain forces us to pay attention, teaches us how to care for the body, and expands our ability to be at peace with the inevitable challenges of life.  Chronic pain can ultimately inspire us to search for and dwell in the unchanging awareness behind such experiences.

Emotional pain has much the same effect, compelling us to look deeply into the cause of our disturbance instead of ignoring or repressing the grief or anxiety we feel.  If we accept painful emotions and allow the energy they generate to release, we can often find the unhealthy desire or expectation that gave rise to it.  For example, we all like compliments and it can be insightful to see how easily we become angry or hurt when we are criticized.

Yet another form of pain is the mental discomfort of self-discipline, helping us build will power, focus and the ability to override our habits to choose healthier behavior and positive thoughts.  Self-discipline requires making mindful goals that build will power gradually without undue force.

For example, we can make a commitment to daily morning meditation which requires exercising the will to get to bed on time, get up as planned and make a steady effort to focus the mind.  Fasting, whether it is for 3 days or skipping a meal, is another form of self-discipline that strengthens the mind and exposes our attachment to eating.  Self-discipline can take many other forms such as practicing silence, giving up some little pleasure, or committing ourselves to regular spiritual study, all of which can be painful initially but will bring great benefit over time.

The spiritual teachers from many traditions cite pain as a necessary element for spiritual development.  It is how we purge karma from the past and learn which behaviors are not in harmony with our true nature.  It is often how our unconscious egoism is exposed, giving us the opportunity to choose love and compassion, and be free of the prison of selfish desire.  It’s a hard truth to swallow, but if we are sincere about our spiritual growth, we should welcome pain for the opportunity it presents.

Words often slip out of our mouths without much forethought.  We casually share whatever we are thinking without considering how it will feel or sound to others.  This may be fine in some situations, but we’ve all experienced the problems it can create.  For this reason, we chose the practice of mindful speech for the month of July.

A regular spiritual practice connects us to the Spiritual Self and the ground of being we all share.  This sense of connection gives rise to a natural compassion and one of the most important expressions of compassion is in how we speak to each other.  In the tradition of Yoga, the intention to express ourselves in harmony with our spiritual values is called Satya,

Practicing Satya or mindful speech requires that we speak with respect and care to friend and foe alike.  Mindfulness implies that we are fully present and consciously chose our words.  Satya is translated as truthfulness and is practiced in harmony with Ahimsa, non-injury.  For example, can I really be at peace with myself when I speak badly about others behind their backs or answer someone sharply because I’m annoyed?

I have found the teachings of Non-Violent Communication especially helpful in bringing mindful speech into action.  I see the importance of listening carefully without interpreting the facts and jumping to conclusions.  I also believe an important aspect of this practice is to not take to heart the comments that are spoken when someone is upset.  If I can remain neutral and refrain from being triggered, I can better ascertain what timing and response will bring the most benefit.

A regular meditation practice is an important way to develop this practice since it requires that we bring awareness not just to our words, but to the intentions behind them.  By sincere reflection, we can be careful to restrain ourselves from saying things that hurt others or ourselves. With regular effort, mindful speech helps us quiet our self-centered thinking and learn to be guided by our spiritual consciousness and the well-being of everyone.  Practicing this way is another step toward enlightened living.

It’s so easy for us to take for granted this magnificent world we live in. How is it that we manage to observe our bodies, each a miniature galaxy covered with skin, the planets orbiting and the march of the penguins, and fail to be in awe? Mary Oliver says it this way in her poem, When Death Comes:

“When it’s over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was a bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.”

May we all learn to live with gratitude in our hearts as we go about our daily duties.