Step into the Unknown
I’m theming for my classes and this week’s is “Step into the Unknown” and this unknown is pregnant with possibility! When you truly want something in life sometimes you just have to go for it, step into the unknown.
Unknown on the Yoga Mat
There is plenty of the unknown on your yoga mat, unless to a degree if you go to the type of yoga class that does the same thing all the time like Ashtanga. I teach different classes, sequences, vinyasas, asanas all the time so this is unknown to the student, however there is nothing to say that doing the same is less challenging in fact Ashtanga the unknown surfaces all the time if you treat each class as an exploration..
the other way to view it is – do you dread a certain posture when a teacher mentions it? Is that the time you go to the toilet or childs pose beckons 🙂 because you feel you can’t do it, or you fear failing or falling? if so this is great! it’s the fear you see, however step into the unknown of the posture, where there is endless possibilities to observe yourself – to listen, feel and explore what it is that you dislike or fear or anything else about the asana. It takes courage to explore unknown territory, so I invite you to invoke your veera (courage) take the risk. let love and courage conquer fear and the magic unfurls!
Beyond your Comfort Zone
Step into the unknown is about going beyond your comfort zone and who knows the unknown might reward you with something you hadn’t even imagined! This is why I LOVE to set intentions, I have dreams and I see them materialise! Yes emotions may arise as you step into the unknown, out of your comfort zone, as the teacher or me ( 🙂 ) push your buttons… Whatever fear or emotion arises – this is the portal into your experience of transformation, I invite you to BE CURIOUS!
Let’s Step off the Fence
Are you ready to wear courage as your coat and step off the Fence?
Yes then Be ready to step into your fears and beyond…. and taste the rewards! Stepping into your courage is about getting off the fence, you know that place where you sit saying “when this happens `I’ll do that…” or “ when I’ve done this… then…” think “how” rather than when, because sometimes this and that don’t ever happen and ironically the moment you take that first step into the unknown…take the risk….and step off the fence, the universe says “YES she/he’s done it”, the doors open and the “how” is figured out as you take your courageous step into the unknown… and I’ve found the universe helps you every step of the way!
So where do you stand?
do you let the opinions of others keep you on the fence?
do you go to the loo when an arm balance like crow posture, bakasana or eight limb pose, astavakrasana is taught?
or do you melt the opinions of others and indeed melt the resistances of your own fears and stand in your truth and try!
Just think about a child learning to walk, did he/she think “OMGod or OMGoddess i fell down I’m giving up” – no, they kept going, kept trying and learnt to walk. I personally felt this when I suffered food poisoning three years ago and my whole body went out of alignment, i couldn’t walk, I crumbled, i went into my darkest fears and then slowly walked through the pain literally and realigned myself through yoga. thats’ why I walk the walk and teach…
My fear and I wear courage as a smile
Backbends for me bring up my fear, I’ve worked hard at cracking open my heart and sit with the fear and I practice backbends. I smile, wear courage and this morning it was liberating to fully open myself in Urdhva Dhanurasana or wheel pose. I may not do the deepest of backbends, however I am still curious about them and the feelings that arise are great portals for me to observe. otherwise i could do forward folds all day long cos i love them, but where would I be going beyond my comfort zone…?
I hope you enjoy the step into the unknown… take a risk… be curious and dream BIG! you know why? because when you set an intention, or ask the universe, have faith, listen to your truth, not the opinions of others the universe delivers even bigger than you imagined or takes you on another direction you hadn’t even thought of….
I’d love to know what has happened to you once you’ve stepped off the fence or taken a risk… please share
namaste
Michelle x
2016 – ps I’ve written another blog that’s part two of this – stepping into the unknown – its juicy!
Or see my Yoga Jewellery – Mālā and Musings on Mā