Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
- Excerpt from Marianne Williamson’s "Return to Love".
For many of us, we lose that strong sense of self along the journey. Either we forget our personal power or allow it to be subdued by the rules in our family, in school, in jobs, and in society. Suddenly, we realize we aren’t living the life we’ve dreamt of and often haven’t a clue how to recover our essence and live life to the fullest.
The concept of dharma suggests we all have a true path, one where we can experience life to the fullest, discover our highest selves, be able to share our own gifts with the world without sacrificing an ounce of our personal power. In fact, it’s almost considered a duty to discover what our true gift or gifts are and to pursue them. If we are operating at this higher vibration, we’re doing our part to influence our world for the better.
The practice of yoga is an incredible launching point to discover what it is that’s holding us back. First, we need to dig in and understand what our gifts are, what our deepest desires are. Then, we need to uncover why we aren’t manifesting them. Only then can we work to fulfill our dreams.
By practicing yoga, we can begin to change our patterns and break old habits and behaviors that restrain us. Often, we are restricted by old patterns or beliefs known as vikalpas that we’ve carried with us most of our lives. Identifying our own vikalpas and working to release our own self-sabotaging behaviors can assist in releasing self-doubt and soaring to our fullest potential.
Yogis recognize the Manipura or navel chakra as the source of our identity and the center of our power and personality. Self-confidence, willpower, self-discipline, and fire are all qualities associated with the third of seven main chakras or energy centers. Excessive Manipura manifests as arrogance or ego and insufficient navel chakra energy comes out as insecurity and self-doubt. Finding balance and cultivating a sense of confidence in oneself is vital to achieving a life fulfilled. If you’ve got too much ego, cool it down. If you’re plagued by insecurity, fire it up!
In addition to self-study, yogic techniques like stimulating the fire in your belly through asana, pranayama, mantras and guided meditation will help you burn through the layers of self-doubt and trust in your self. An efficient technique for cultivating our innate knowledge and power is the practice of repeating simple mantras like:
* I honor the power within me
* I can achieve anything I set my mind to
* I am focused and productive
* I act on my desires and motivations
Remember the principle that what we focus upon expands and what we take our attention away from diminishes. Focus on your dreams, your desires, the positive impact you’re meant to share with the world. Trust you have the power within you and practice to release it!
We’ve got some great classes this week to assist you on your journey:
1. Dave Farmar - Empower Your Potential: Part 1 (Make the Most of THIS Moment)
This class is specially designed for Advanced Beginners and Up who need a quick practice. It takes the highlights of a standard power sequence and works them into a fun half hour that focuses on the expansiveness of “externally rotated” standing poses. Throughout the practice, Dave gives options for the newer and the more experienced with detailed descriptions of possible modifications or variations for many of the poses.
Take on this opportunity to bravely let go of what you must, and learn to make the most of THIS moment and EVERY moment!
2. Michelle Marchildon - Split Leg Poses: Krazy Koundinyasanas
Embrace your wild side and engage your edge during this fun and challenging yoga practice. This class features arm balances with split legs and quite a bit of flow to work up a sweat. We play with Hurdlers and Scissored Side Crow (Eka Pada Koundinyasana I and II).
3. Kristin Gibowicz - Advanced Mojo Flow
If you like chaturangas, this class is for you! Get your blood flowing, your heart pumping, twist & backbend your way to getting your Mojo back!
4. Jack Cuneo - Align & Flow: Less is Enough
More isn’t always better, and less isn’t always more. Sometimes less is just fine the way it is. Sometimes less is enough. In this FREE class, you’ll create length, space, and awareness in your muscles and joints through a slow, balanced, methodical flow emphasizing standing poses, twists, and side-bending postures. It’s a great opportunity to come back to your center after taking something else to the extreme - whether that something is running, lifting, or even sitting for several hours. Receive detailed alignment instructions and practice exploring your body with grace and ease.