Turn Your Fear Upside Down!

Image: fridgedoor.com

When I was in college, a friend of mine had the amazing opportunity to study for a semester abroad in Ireland.  Lucky, right?  Well, she didn't think so and emailed me a sob-story about the terrible time she was having sitting in her apartment alone most evenings spending energy missing friends and family back in the states.  She was missing a lot more than that -- new experiences, new friends, new drinking games -- all being missed!  She was dropped outside her cozy little comfort zone and didn't know what to do.  She was scared.

This was back in a time when people sent snail mail, not facebook messages, so I went searching for a card to carry some cheer and encouragement to her across the pond.  I found the magnet pictured above and purchased two immediately.  One for me, one for her.  She finally tried her first Guinness and "do one thing every day that scares you" became my permanent motto for life.

All week, I have been endlessly discussing this weekend's super exciting inversion and arm balance workshops with Briohny and Dice with fellow my teachers and students.  There is a common theme going on with those who have not yet secured a spot: FEAR.

I can't send you all a magnet, or I will not be able to afford to attend any of the workshops myself, but I can tell you that if you are resisting signing up out of fear, you are missing out!  There is a workshop for everyone and there is still space available in all sessions.  What is holding YOU back?  These are the most common excuses in circulation:

"I'm afraid I can't do arm balances or inversions." or "I'm afraid of going upside down."

Spend your Saturday morning (10am - 12pm) learning the steps to saying "I can."  Intro to Flight is perfect for those resistant to flying and balancing on their hands and those who have just started to play with the idea.  In this workshop, basic postures will be broken down and made accessible for all by laying a strong foundation that starts with proper alignment and how to enter and exit postures safely.

"I'm afraid I'm not strong or flexible enough to do these fancy postures."

Bend Your Inversions on Saturday afternoon (1pm - 3pm) will focus on building strength and opening in the chest, back, abs, quads, and hamstrings.  If you love backbends and balancing, this is the workshop for you.  Even if you are new to inversions, you will benefit from this (or any) workshop from the powerful instruction, energy and support from fellow students, and my #1 supporter that will not let you fall: the wall.  You do not need to be able to invert in the middle of the room!!  The wall is a great tool for building confidence while learning.

"I'm afraid of going alone."

Yoga = community.  If you are new in town or have been practicing at CPY for awhile and have never said hello to a fellow yogi at the studio, now is your chance to build your network and make new friends with like-minded interests!  Sign up for Partner/Acro Yoga and you'll automatically be given a new BFF for Sunday morning (9am - 11am) and beyond.

"I want to be able to do this (watch video) but I'm afraid because I can't nail and hold my handstand away from the wall every single time.  Maybe in 10 years I'll be there."

 

Ok, so that is my own personal excuse.  Maybe it will take me 10 years to flow effortlessly on my hands.  I'm not putting a deadline on it, but I am going to take action steps to achieving this goal and the first of many steps is attending The ABC's of the Inverted Yoga Practice on Sunday (12pm - 2pm) to deepen my understanding of where every bone and muscle in my body is and needs to be while upside down.  Not being able to do XYZ right now is exactly why you and I both need to attend a workshop.  If you do not try (and fall down and try again and again), how will you ever know where you can go and how will you ever get there?  Exactly.

You may not master your first or an advanced posture during the workshop, but you will be given all of the tools you need to successfully make them a regular part of your practice and, even if it requires assistance, you WILL get into some postures!  This inspiring duo will help you develop enhanced body awareness, build strength, and move past mental blocks and fear.   

Still scared?  Good.  Now you don't have to come up with something to do that scares you this Saturday or Sunday.  Give up excuses, step out of your comfort zone, and turn your fear upside down by signing up now!

See you on the mat,

Liz (lizabramsyoga.com)