“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” Plato
New moons are always good moments to devote yourself to shadow work. This new moon is under the sign of leo. For me the symbol of courage par excellence. Some time ago I had posted something personal about fear and received many private messages. As a yoga teacher, it is important to me to look where it becomes unpleasant in order to grow and to move on more joyfully. To break through your own limits and make the impossible possible. To illuminate the magic of growth.
There is so much fear in the collective field at the moment and since my field of action is prevention, I try to show you ways to get out of this field. To illuminate the fear. Everyone knows it. Everyone has it.The function of fear is innate in us. Part of the deal. It protects us from danger and ensures our survival. That is the primordial fear. The underlying motive is fear of death or fear of pain.Then there’s the fictitious fear. It’s a fantasy that has nothing to do with reality. It has more to do with experiences and fictitious thought scenarios that take place in the mind. There is no real danger behind it. Easily explained:
Situation -> positive images -> no fear
Situation -> negative images -> fear
3 possibilities for more ease
I would like to give you 3 possibilities that can help you to bring more ease into your life when fears appear in your mind or on an emotional, physical level.
1 – Reality Check
“How dangerous is this situation really? What’s the worst thing that could happen to you?”
That takes away a lot of pressure.
Identify your fears
Embrace your fears (being afraid to face fear is feeding your fear with fear)
Disidentify with your fears; they are not you
Understand your worst-case scenario
Do a reality check (of the probability of your worst-case scenario coming true)
2 – Pratipaksha Bhavana – A logical way to change fear into courage
First, realize that you are in control of your thoughts at all times.
- Absorb the images that appear inside you
- Delete these images by mentally smashing, tearing, pouring a bucket of paint over them or burning them.
- Replace the images -Replace the images that are emerging inside you into a positive thing
Bhuta Shuddi is also very helpful here. A very good technique which uses the purification of the elements. I learned this technique from Carlos Pomeda. And you will surely find good instructions online. Have a look if you hear the call to try it or dive deeper.
3 – Become master of your thoughts
It is impossible to be relaxed and to be afraid at the same time. Anxiety and stress release hormones that affect the metabolism. Insecurity blocks and weakens the immune cells. Meditation not only brings peace and relaxation to your mind, but also to your body. Get out of the carousel of thoughts once a day.
Five minutes a day are enough to start with to create more clarity and positivity. To do this, find a short meditation that you can easily handle. That’s why there are so many techniques that support you in staying with it.
Where is the fear in the body? Let’s rather ask. Where is the seat of basic trust? How do you strengthen it?
In the Muladhara Chakra – the root chakra is the seat of primal trust. You strengthen it: Colour red which creates energy and connection. The element is the earth. The Bija Mantra is LAM. The Goddess Tara strengthens the qualities of this chakra. Like Brahma is the creator. Sandalwood, Rosewood, Rosemary, Cedar, Ginger, Clove, Frankincence, Myrrh. So connect with the earth every day. The seat of the Muladhara is the lowest of the 7 chakras at the end of the spine and is connected to the anus and perineum.
Breathing affects the nervous system. Therefore Pranayama techniques help to strengthen the cardiovascular system and also to clear the mind on an energetic level, to remove blockages and to increase the energy of the prana in order to feel more joy and to be more concentrated.
From a yogic point of view, fear is associated with Prana Vayu. Prana Vayu is the energy behind the breathing system. It is the survival instinct and also the instinct that helps to overcome fears. Fear and fear of death – means Prana Vayu is not enough there or too restless. Here the focus is on holding the breath (Kumbhaka). This makes this Vayu (wind) unemployed. The task of this Vayu is to keep the breathing muscles going.The 3 phases breathing helps very well. 4 breaths inhale, 4 breaths hold, 4 breaths exhale. No holding of breath during pregnancy.
Asanas (physical postures) which are strengthening your basic confidence:Pascimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Virabhadransana (Warriors), Vrikshasana (Tree), Ardha Matsydenrasana (Lord of the fishes, seated twisted), Janu Sirshasana (Head to Knee Pose) , Malasana (Garland Pose)
photocredit Babsi Oszvald (Malasana)
I AM SAFE
I AM HOME
I AM CENTERED
I AM GROUNDED
I TRUST TRUE SOURCE WHICH IS THE UNIVERSAL PROVIDING FOR MY BASIC NEEDS
I STAND FOR MY VALUES, TRUTH AND JUSTICE
„The purpose of Yoga is to facilitate the profound inner relaxation that accompanies fearlessness. The release from fear is what finally precipitates the full flowering of love.“ -Erich Schiffmann
If you need a tailor made program for you or you have any other questions, I am here for you to make your way to joy easier. Get in Touch!
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru devo Maheshwara Guru sakshat, param Brahma, tasmai shri guravay namah
Much love your way,
Ulli
