I was talking with a friend recently about how much power fear has over many of the decisions we make (or simply do not make…indecision is the worst). Often, we stay in situations for too long because we’re comfortable and/or afraid of change. Or we avoid pursuing a dream or passion because we fear change (or failure).

Last Sunday I decided to theme my yoga class around fear and finding fearlessness. I opened class with this quote.

Fear will show up EVERY time you’re growing or going where you dream of. 

I love this succinct and powerful statement. We all feel fear. It’s a normal part of human nature. The choice comes when you decide whether to use that fear to PROPEL you or PARALYZE you. I stood in front of  my students and told them that I could share at least 10 things I felt fear about at that very moment but I’m learning to drill down to the core of why I’m feeling the fear and to use it for propulsion and growth. (Key word…”learning.”)

Fight or flight?

I try to put the message to work somehow in the physical practice during class. Sunday we practiced fearlessness in inverting and backbending. We worked on new variations of headstand and I read them “7 Things Fear Has Stolen From You” as they performed their backbends, one backbend for each of the seven things.

There is so much power for students to find on the mat when they realize how much they are capable of when they let go of fear and begin to trust and believe in their strength and intuition. It’s amazing how much can shift by just changing your hand placement in a headstand and finding that you can balance and breathe through something that seemed impossible. Or by backbending more than you normally do, surrendering to it and experiencing the heart opening in a way that you previously have not by blasting through conceived limitations.

Today I’m sharing with you seven headstand variations, one for each of the things that fear has stolen from you. I highly encourage you to read this entire article!

1. Your True Path and Purpose. 

Fear of being different.

2. Self-respect. 

Fear of not being good enough.

3. Your ability to make concrete decisions. 

Fear of commitment.

4. Priceless opportunities and life experiences. 

Fear of change and discomfort.

5. General happiness and peace of mind. 

Fear of facing inner truths.

6. Your willingness to love, truly and purely. 

Fear of not being loved in return.

7. The right company. 

Fear of being alone.

Headstands…love them or avoid them? Want to learn how to do them? Watch my headstand tutorial video (not sure why the video is fuzzy…it wasn’t at one point). 

Now go practice fearlessness in your own way!