Overcoming Fears

While leading us through a tricky arm balance (as most arm balances are!) in a recent yoga class, the teacher gave instruction to “lean into the pose a little more, and have the courage to fall on your head and your heart.”  This statement led me to consider how often we let our fears block us from leaning into whatever experience life is presenting.  In holding back and resisting, we close ourselves off to the divine abundance that the Universe has to offer us.  However, by leaning in and moving forward just a bit, we may find greater stability in our new position, along with a greater sense of confidence and empowerment.

When we allow our fears to keep us from moving forward or taking chances, we limit ourselves from living to our maximum potential.  Fears arise from our mind, but they serve to close off our heart.  By bringing our mind and heart to work in harmony, we are able to free ourselves of those fears.  If we are able to open our hearts, then we also open our lives to the inherent synchronicities that the Universe provides us with.  In doing so, those chances that at one time seemed so difficult to take, no longer seem like chances at all; rather, they are simply the direction that the energy of our lives is moving in.

In my own experience, I have found that I often fear the unknown of what the future may bring.  I am a person who always has a plan…and a plan B and C.  But, let’s face it, not only does life rarely follow your plans, but it often takes you on a 180 degree turn in the complete opposite direction of your plan A, B, and C!  And so, I have found that by keeping my heart and mind open, and by resting in faith that the Universe provides all that I need, I begin to let go of my fears.  In doing so, I open myself up to opportunities that I never would have even dreamed of on my own.  Of course, I am only human and so have not been able to completely release these fears yet, but bit by bit have been able to loosen my tight grip on them.  Samskaras, or deeply ingrained thought patterns and habits, can be difficult to break free from since they reside within us at an energetic level.  However, with regular practice and vigilant awareness, we may begin to chisel away at them and begin to experience the liberation of being set free from our conditionings.

This month, I offer you the opportunity to consider a fear or challenging situation.  Is this a situation that you can lean into by opening your heart and mind?  If so, notice how you feel when you do this practice.  It may feel uncomfortable at first.  It requires stretching boundaries and going beyond comfort zones, but notice the feeling that remains after the discomfort dissipates.  Notice if your heart feels a bit lighter and your mind more joyful.

May you discover all the peace and joy that resides within your heart.
Om Shantih.