3rd and 4th Niyama

The third niyama is TAPAS. Tapas means fire or heat referring to the energy we invest in what we are committed to. Tapas is self-discipline especially in the areas that require consistency and dedication. That heat burns through our resistance, burns off negative emotions and distorted thinking. Tapas helps us to take action when it is required and to show up for what is required.
Your sticky mat is also referred to as a Tapas Mat. Your mat is where you do your practice. It takes tapas to show up and do your practice on a regular basis.

The fourth niyama is SVADHAYA which means self- study or self -inquiry. Knowing oneself is a continual journey. Learning about ourselves: our gifts, our weaknesses, our tendencies as well as our aspirations and our dreams. As we do this it is important that we come to accept ourselves as we are, to befriend all of it and be truthful. We then can offer ourselves compassion, understanding and listening in the same way that we would with a very close friend.