The Latent Change

Real Growth is Subtle and hidden

Deepalakshmi P

Yoga Teacher

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Creative writing & Illustrations by: Harinath

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During my yoga teacher training, I was introduced to the teachings of Patanjali. In Chapter 1 of the Yogasutras, he mentions two powerful tools required to achieve any goal:

Abhyasa (Practice) and Vairagya (Detachment).

The idea of Abhyasa felt natural to me. Practice, discipline, and hard work are principles we are all familiar with. They form the backbone of progress in any field—whether it is fitness, learning, or personal growth.

But the concept of Vairagya ( vi + raga = without desire) puzzled me.

If passion drives us forward, why should we detach from the goal?

Doesn’t a strong desire to achieve something push us to work harder?

When we see progress, we feel encouraged to aim higher. That attachment to the result often becomes the fuel that keeps us moving.

Then why would Patanjali emphasize detachment?

Wouldn’t detachment make us slow down or lose our drive?

These questions stayed with me for many years.

Throughout my fitness journey, passion for my goals has always been a powerful motivator. It helped me stay disciplined, step out of my comfort zone, and persist through challenges. Naturally, the idea of detachment felt almost contradictory.

Yet, the wisdom of the sage suggested otherwise.

Recently, while studying Physics with my daughter, I stumbled upon an idea that unexpectedly answered this question.

In a lesson on heat energy, we learned about latent heat—specifically, latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporisation.

Simply put, when a substance changes its state—say from solid to liquid or liquid to gas—its temperature remains constant for some time. During this phase, energy is still being absorbed, but the thermometer shows no change.

The transformation is happening at a deeper level—at the molecular structure—but it is not immediately visible.

This concept struck me deeply.

Perhaps our personal journeys are similar.

When we consistently work towards a meaningful goal—especially in areas like spiritual growth, fitness, or self-development—there may be phases when visible progress seems to pause. Nothing appears to change externally.

But internally, something profound may be unfolding.

If we are strongly attached to the outcome during such phases, two things can happen—and both can hinder our progress.

First, we may feel discouraged. Seeing no visible results, we may assume our efforts are wasted and give up too soon.

Second, we may become anxious. Believing that our efforts are insufficient, we may push ourselves excessively. Overexertion often leads to fatigue, injury, or burnout, which can delay the very progress we seek.

This is where Vairagya—detachment—becomes essential.

When change is latent, detachment allows us to remain patient. It helps us trust the process and continue the journey without unnecessary anxiety about results.

Just as the transformation in matter continues silently until the state changes completely, the transformation within us may also be unfolding quietly.

Progress has not stopped—it is simply hidden.

And that is why Abhyasa and Vairagya must go together.

Practice keeps us moving forward.

Detachment keeps our mind steady during the invisible phases of growth.

So we continue—patiently and consistently—trusting that the change is happening, even when we cannot yet see it.

Keep practising.

Stay healthy.

Stay happy.