Lag BaOmer: Igniting the Inner Flame on the Yogic Path

Between the spring holidays of Passover and Shavuot lies an often overlooked gem in the Jewish calendar — Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer.

It arrives like a pause in the journey, a flash of light between two steps.

A moment that reminds us: there’s a light inside of us, not bound by time or circumstance.

For many, Lag BaOmer evokes memories of bonfires, smoke in the air, late-night songs and laughter.But this holiday holds deeper meaning — it's a day to connect to our inner fire, to remember that beneath the surface, there is a sacred glow that never fades.We are not just body or form — we are soul in motion, on a continuous path of becoming.

The Fire That Illuminates, Not Consumes

Tradition holds that this is the yahrzeit (memorial day) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century mystic and the author of the Zohar, a foundational text of Jewish Kabbalah.It is said that on the day of his passing, he revealed the most profound spiritual secrets — as if his life culminated in a final blaze of truth.

In that moment of departure — a meeting.In fire — illumination.

We, as yogis, recognize this place:When practice feels repetitive or challenging, suddenly — in a moment of presence — something softens.The fire doesn’t burn us down — it refines us.It doesn’t scorch — it reveals.

The Yogi and the Mystic

In yoga, we speak of tapas — the inner discipline, the sacred heat that transforms us.

In Kabbalah, we speak of refining the vessels to hold more light.

Lag BaOmer is where these paths converge:The yogi and the mystic both walk a path of inner refinement, peeling back layers of ego, until only the light remains.Both know: there is no true separation between body and soul — only the illusion of disconnection.

From Bonfire to Breath

Lag BaOmer is an opportunity to pause and ask ourselves:

• What kind of fire am I feeding?

• Where am I still walking in darkness?

• What truth am I ready to reveal — to myself, and to the world?

The bonfire may burn out.But the inner fire — the one that lights up our practice, our purpose, our path — is eternal.Each breath with intention, each mindful movement, each act of pure presence — becomes sacred fuel for that flame.

3 Ways to Stoke Your Inner Flame with Compassion:

1. Gentle Fire Breath (Soft Kapalabhati - inspired breath work) Sit comfortably with eyes closed.Start with slow, intentional breaths.Then begin light, rhythmic exhales through the nose, allowing the inhales to happen naturally.Think of it as softly fanning glowing coals — not rushing, just steady warmth.

Do this for 2–3 minutes daily to awaken clarity and willpower.

2. Asanas to Spark Tapas:

• Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Stand strong in your inner fire — firm, open, and centered.

• Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Activate the solar plexus and lift the heart — merging strength with vulnerability.

• Sun Salutations or small jumps: Build heat gently and get energy flowing.

3. A Daily Tiny Commitment:Big fires are fed by small sparks.Choose one practice to keep for a week:10 minutes of movement, a daily gratitude note, or even one intentional breath before bed.Consistency builds trust. Trust builds fire.

Wishing you a Lag BaOmer filled with presence, light, and purpose.May we remember the sacred glow we carry — and dare to ignite it, again and again.