At Adaptive Yoga Northwest (AYNW), we plan each class series using a central theme and then explore that theme throughout the month. Often, I will use our AYNW themes to plan the rest of my classes each week, as it provides me a sense of routine in my teaching and in my practice.

My lovely AYNW cohort, Kelly, offered the theme of Freedom for our 5 week series. Our first week, we explored Freedom through expansion, and through exploring the space around us, within us and beyond us.

This week, we are looking at Freedom through the the disciplines offered in the Yamas and the Niyamas of our 8-limbed yoga path. Specifically, through Brahmacharya and Tapas. Moderation of energy and austerity. Celibacy and Passion. Introspection and Self-Discipline. Such a dynamic duo: balancing the heat, the solar energy, the work of Tapas with the weight of Right use of energy - in relationships, in work, in your drive home - with an underlying intention of conserving as much energy for Brahma, or God, whoever/whatever he/she/it may be for you.

It's an interesting lens with which to view freedom. Instead of looking at the disciplines as limiting rules, we can instead use these templates of focus and concentration of Right energy to filter out the nonsense that inhibits us from true freedom in the first place.

In my practice this week, I'll be offering and practicing giving boundaries - literal and assumed - so that you can explore freely the space within. We'll practice in a disciplined, focused way that utilizes only and concisely the energy needed. One day, it might end up looking like handstand. Other days it could mean 20 minutes in child's pose.

Hoping to share energy on the mat with you this week!