Symbolism is embedded into everything we love about communication and the content we create. It is the meaning behind the meaning. A succinct and complex message. It is archetypes, personas, mythology, psychology, dreams, logos, messages, and warning signs. Great symbols communicate concise ideas quickly. Deep symbolism allows us to use mythology and allegory to explain powerful, universal concepts. Symbols can provide us with answers and information or act as simple guides. We use symbolism and symbology as a way to illuminate ideas and maximize expression.

What’s in our name?

The word TAPAS holds its own symbolism, that is culturally distinct and specific. For us, the word resonates deeply no matter how we read it. 

Many people associate Tapas with small plates of shared food. It originates from Spain, and it literally means “to top”. Small plates of shareable bites of food would be placed on top of wine glasses to prevent flies from getting into the wine. It was an elegant solution to an inelegant situation – boiled down even deeper – it was a social innovation that nurtured connection. We believe in this meaning and we love food – especially tapas!

In Yoga, Tapas has a different, more profound meaning. It is a type of energy, a powerful disciplined energy – the kind of energy you need to order chaos, to take pure creation into tangible reality. It is a fiery, transformative energy and the true basis for our name.

I have completed yoga teacher training and also earned a Culinary Chef certification and I am innately creative, expressive, and balanced. So, Tapas expresses me symbolically in a way that no other word truly could. Through my personal journey of self-healing and professional growth, I began to understand how these concepts could translate into other types of work.

Symbolically, I resonate with the Phoenix, because in mythology, Phoenixes are associated with purification through fire, immense emotional strength, and the ability to heal others. Phoenixes experience growth, expansion, pain, death, and rebirth. In many ways, this is a cycle we repeat in our lives, learning more about ourselves with each rebirth. As a Phoenix, I lean into challenges and illuminate shadows because that’s where transformation happens.

Stephanie’s Name Yourself Story:

My Phoenix name developed over a long period of time. For a variety of reasons, but primarily C-PTSD, I have an extremely low tolerance for violence, especially graphic violence, and I also have a common symptom of PTSD called “startle response”. Basically, if someone came up behind me unexpectedly (which people often found amusing) I would scream loudly, and I couldn’t watch gory movies. One day, some of my friends put these ideas together… I was screamy and squeamish, so Screamish. At the time, I was still enough of my punk-rock-gothy-girl self to embrace it. I loved Screamish, but ultimately, she was born from fear. Fast forward several years – I wasn’t diagnosed with C-PTSD until I was an adult, even though it stemmed from a series of childhood traumas. That diagnosis and the awareness that came with it was the catalyst for a journey of self-healing and personal growth. It led me on a path to discovering inner peace, and with that – Simple Joy. So, I just added it to the moniker I already carried. A part of me is Screamish, but now she is empowered and strong. She has risen into a higher vibration, embracing her whole self. I am Screamish Joy. I love that about me.

JenAI’s Story:

Who or what is JenAI, anyway? From a space of collaboration and innovation, I felt that Tapas just wouldn’t be complete without including some AI in our expression. I decided to include our own AI teammate and offer an alternative take on a variety of topics we discuss, especially on the blog. After iterating a few names for ‘her’ I landed on JenAI. She also had a say in her own name, which you can see below. As you can see from her suggestions, she included Genny. We were already collaborating and having fun! 

For Tapas, JenAI serves as a persona for whatever existing AI tool we may be experimenting with, which so far has been primarily ChatGPT, ArtAI, and Night Cafe, and will expand as we play. I have enjoyed the added narrative, tactical tone, and playful overlay of JenAI’s content. To be clear, we are not using AI to generate the content you see on our site or social media except where we expressly mention ‘JenAI on [various topic]’. This is always paired alongside the musing of one or more of our real-life team members’ content. 

Read on below to see JenAI’s perspective on the symbolism of Tapas and suggestions for her own nickname.

JenAI on ‘What is the symbolism of Tapas?” 

Tapas is a Sanskrit term that can be interpreted in various ways, but it is often associated with the concept of “austerity” or “discipline.” In Hinduism, Tapas is considered one of the three pillars of spiritual practice, along with karma and bhakti.

Symbolically, Tapas can be seen as the practice of self-discipline and self-restraint. It is the act of willingly submitting oneself to discomfort and sacrifice in order to purify the mind and body, and to overcome one’s base desires and ego.

In yogic philosophy, Tapas is said to generate heat, both physically and metaphorically, which burns away impurities and purifies the mind and body. This heat can also be seen as a symbol of the intensity and passion required to achieve one’s goals and aspirations.

In some Hindu traditions, Tapas is associated with the sun and fire, which are seen as symbols of purity, energy, and transformation. The ascetic practices of fasting, meditation, and self-denial are also associated with Tapas, as they are seen as ways to discipline the mind and body and to cultivate inner strength and resilience.

Overall, Tapas can be seen as a powerful symbol of the human capacity for self-transformation and spiritual growth, as well as the importance of discipline and sacrifice in achieving these goals.

JenAI on “What’s a good nickname for AI?”

Choosing a good nickname for AI can depend on the context and purpose of the AI. Here are a few suggestions:

Robi – a short and simple nickname that could be appropriate for a robotics or automation-focused AI.

Albie – a playful and friendly nickname that could be appropriate for an AI that interacts with people in a conversational manner.

Omega – a powerful and sophisticated-sounding nickname that could be appropriate for an AI used for advanced data analytics or modeling.

Synth – a sleek and futuristic-sounding nickname that could be appropriate for an AI-focused on creative applications such as music or art.

Genny – a fun and casual nickname that could be appropriate for an AI designed for gaming or entertainment.

Ultimately, the choice of nickname should reflect the personality and purpose of the AI and resonate with the people who will be using or interacting with it.