yoga and facing fear

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance - FDR

Science has shown that we are born with two fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises, the other fears that we carry with us: we have learned.

There is a big part of our asana yoga practice where we face our fears.  In yoga poses, on our mats, these fears may show up when we practice poses like headstand, crow or other balancing poses.

However, with preparation and knowledge and practice, Headstand can be practiced and eventually loved!

One of the reasons we have yoga poses like headstand, is to be able to face a fear, in a safe environment, so that when we have to face fear in everyday life, we have tools to assist us.

F.E.A.R. can be thought of as “False evidence appearing as reality”.  I really love this acronym, as quite often the “fear” is false and this process can help remind us of the reality of a situation.

What "false" fear has stopped you recently?

Like everything in this life, timing is very important.  I’m not going to suggest that you take a leap and face all fears.  But even exploring the idea of facing any fears, within a safe and supportive environment, can be a breath of fresh air.