The Strength You Don’t See: Why Quiet Growth Is Still Growth

When you hear the word strength, what do you think of?

Someone deadlifting 200+ pounds?

That student or instructor in class who’s always going 100%, never pausing, always pushing?

The person who balances work, family, health, social life, and never seems to miss a beat?

While that might be one kind of strength, it’s not the strength we’re talking about this week.

Because real strength isn’t about being “on” all the time.

It’s not only showing up for yourself when you’re already feeling good and energized.

It’s not crushing the hardest pose or checking off every box.

Sometimes strength is:

• Showing up when you’re tired

• Arriving to class even though you know you’re going to modify everything

• Not letting yourself cancel even when you really want to stay in bed

• Taking a deep breath when you’re running late, and showing up anyway

• Pausing in the middle of class because you need to, not because you failed

  
  

That’s the kind of strength we’re honoring this week.

Tapas: The Fire That Stays Lit

In yogic philosophy, there’s a concept called Tapas: one of the Niyamas, or internal observances.

It refers to discipline, heat, and the energy of transformation.

But not the kind of discipline that punishes — the kind that’s rooted in devotion.

Tapas is the fire that keeps us moving forward, especially when it’s hard.

It’s staying present through discomfort.

It’s showing up for your growth... not because it’s easy, but because you’re worth the effort.

Tapas isn’t about achieving handstand or taking the deepest backbend.

It might look like:

• Holding a pose for one more breath

• Getting on your mat when motivation is nowhere to be found

• Moving with intention, even when you're moving slower than usual

What Strength Actually Looks Like

We’re conditioned to think strength means pushing harder, resting less, and staying on top of everything.

But real strength shows up in the quietest moments — and it looks different every single day.

It might be:

• Saying yes to movement when your body needs it

• Saying no to anything that drains you unnecessarily

• Breathing through frustration instead of bailing out

• Modifying your practice without comparing yourself to anyone else

• Staying in the discomfort long enough to grow

• Getting back up — again, and again, and again

And often it has nothing to do with yoga:

• Making that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off

• Saying “no” to the social invite because you need rest

• Sending the hard email

• Admitting you’re overwhelmed and asking for help

• Letting the dishes stay in the sink — because your peace matters more today

In Practice This Week

We’re exploring:

• Longer holds with mindful breath

• Movement rooted in control, not momentum

• Showing up with curiosity about what strength means for you

• Encouraging consistency over intensity

This is where strength is built: not by pushing harder, but by staying present through your effort.

Reflection: What Is Your Strength Saying Today?

Is your strength showing up through action… or stillness?

Is it asking you to push forward… or pause and breathe?

Can you hear your inner fire… and trust what it’s telling you?

Your strength may not make headlines.

It may not even be noticed by anyone else.

But it matters.

Keep Showing Up!

You don’t need to be perfect.

You don’t need to bloom brightly every day.

You just need to keep showing up with breath, presence, and willingness.

Because that quiet fire inside you? The one that brought you here?

That’s Tapas.

That’s strength.

And it’s growing, even if no one else can see it.