Counting Bakasana's

 See this perfectly innocent looking guy? Just chilling, not bothering anyone, maybe waiting patiently on a scarecrow to be distracted so he can swoop in a grab some corn...

 The crow has sight, and patience. They peer far off into the distance and patiently await the perfect time to achieve their goal.

 This pose has always been difficult for me. Not because my arms and body aren't strong enough, but because I was not brave enough. I always thought I would bonk myself on the forehead, or just fall flat on my face. But with my increasing belief in myself and a daily practice I have accomplished The Crow Pose-now, my next hurdle was to be brave enough to teach my yogi's in Ananda class. I finally figured out how to do it.

I tricked them. Not in a poopy way...but I just kept moving through poses and never mentioned where I was going with it and got them into crow. And you know what? Not giving them time to doubt themselves worked! They didn't have time to think negative thoughts about themselves, nor did they have time to fear what might happen. I'm sure if at the beginning of class I had said, 'hey, were gonna do some experienced poses' they would have been nervous and doubting themselves and not enjoying the process. But they didn't have time to let fear creep in and the look of happy accomplishment on their faces was amazing.

 And that's the thing, ya know? That whole negative self talk and fear of the what ifs and what may happens, is the only obstacle holding you back in any endeavor you seek. That lesson opened my eyes- I learned how to sneak a teach, and I learned that...really, fear is nothing more than a false thought. Face that fear- go around it, go forward even if you are still afraid. But the minute you start in on yourself with the negative thoughts and speak, you will fail. That whole "can't never could, so try" statement. Yeah- that's truth.

Lost in Loss

I'm a superstitious person. I always have been, but I've always been intuitive and a bit of an empath as well. My mom and grandmother are the same way and my mom has had many encounters with energy in a way that I envy and am a little afraid of too.

 that being said- 

A bird flew into my house 2 week-ish ago. As soon as it did, I told my husband- three deaths to come. He of course laughed it off, he always does. That evening, I found out a young friend of mine had passed in his sleep. In his thirties, healthy and strong-dead. This past Tuesday, the same dang thing...My friend and boss was found in his sleep- passed at 42. I know negativity breeds negativity- but facts are facts. Every time a bird comes into my home, 3 people I know pass.And the scariest part of this is the final waiting period- the last shoe to drop. 

I don't grieve in a 'normal' way.  Every since my best friend and first husband passed suddenly in 2001 I've kinda put up an emotional wall to the passing of a soul. I don't feel as if i'm hardened, but i do feel as if I'm not as touched by sadness.  I feel as if spirit is formed into a new being and given a second chance- maybe that's why i'm not so saddened...but I don't like to be around the sadness of the living- the grieving. That much emotion in one place really affects me in a negative way- and I try to avoid it at all costs. So I generally bow out of funerals  Does that make me weak? no one likes funerals  I realize that, but I honestly get physically and mentally ill at death gatherings. I don't know that I can participate in another procession. 

And now the looming fear of Whats next-who's next is over my head and heavy in my heart.

I'm lost.

I'm lost in loss.

I'll find myself, soon, I know this- but this is a journey I never like to take.

Fight Fear in the Face

Fear

Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat that causes animals to move quickly away from the location of the perceived threat, and sometimes hide.

                                                 Take a  chance!        Try Something new!!

                                                                  Spoil Yourself!

Fear is not REAL! It's just an idea, a WHAT IF. If you don't try you'll never grow or achieve anything! I've found, the easiest way to conquer your fears is to FIGHT IT IN THE FACE. What I mean by this is... you scared of public speaking??? Sing Karaoke! The applause will give you strength and open your eyes to your real power. Don't ever let fear keep you from trying anything...

I have a client who was facing trouble if they didn't put themselves out there and do a few things out of their comfort zone. It took me calling them and harassing them (and finally realizing that they were mortified of being seen as 'not cool'.) every day to finally get them to do their work and stay out of trouble. The fear was literally paralyzing them! And that fear was another's perception...how silly! Others opinions of you make no difference on your real and true life. To think otherwise is unrealistic. 

Whats really going to happen if you face your fear? Will you be turned away? Will you get emotionally hurt? Embarrassed? Those are IDEAS, not realities. You can grow and get over anything. I would rather be told no, than to resent the fact that I never attempted to TRY.

Try these badass fear fighting cures-

Speak your truth

Follow your heart

Skinny Dip

Go on a solo date

Cut your hair

Sing out loud

Dance like no ones watching

Admit your mistakes

Risk takers always seem to be having fun...guess why? They are! YOU control your destiny, The Universe gives you what you need, but also, what you ASK for. Start by reaching just beyond your comfort zone. Then inch your way into full on bliss!