Falling in Love

Last week, while teaching a class, I noticed a lot of fear in my students. We were playing with some postures they were perfectly capable of, yet the unknown and the potential for failure hijacked their systems in an instant. This reminded me of falling in love.

When we talk about falling in love, the words we use imply the idea of a "fall" because there has to be a moment of surrender, where you give yourself up. You trust and have faith that the potential experience is worth the risk. So, I couldn’t help but encourage my students to think of this as falling in love with yoga, yourself, and your capabilities.

Just like in love, you need to trust and have the courage to step into an unknown moment that is out of your control. The only thing holding you back is the fear of surrender or the fear of being rejected by the pose. All you need to do is step forward—right here, right now. You will get the feedback you need if this posture (relationship) is for you or not. Maybe it is for you, but just not yet…

In the face of fear, there’s a moment we can’t predict. This is what we fear, yet it also carries within it a hidden treasure: a greater capacity to love oneself and to experience life fully. Approach your yoga practice as you would with love—trust in your ability, surrender to the process, find the courage to fall, and most importantly don’t give up. The rewards, both on and off the mat, are immeasurable. 

P.s. I love you.