A meditation for navigating
through our fears with grace and
ease. By Jill Lawson
om mind
P
ublic speaking is one of the top two fears many of
us experience. If it isn’t getting up in front of a horde
of people only to be judged to the core of our being,
it’s facing our own mortality. Actually, any sort of big
change, whether it is a promotion at work, the pending
end of a relationship, or a commitment to something unknown, can
be very frightening.
The following meditation is designed to help you calm your
nerves when you have no other choice but to face your fear.Do it now
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Scan your body with your
mind’s eye and notice where you might be feeling uneasy. Is your
heart racing? Are you clenching your teeth? Do your hands shake?
Be attentive without judgement.
Next, imagine yourself in the worst possible circumstance.
Perhaps you are up in front of a huge crowd, ready to give a
speech, and you forgot your notes, pants, glasses, or whatever you
can dream up. Scan your body again and notice how you feel. Are
there any new sensations that arise? Do you feel muscle tightness
in a particular part of your body?
Now, tune into your mental chatter. What are you telling
yourself? Is your internal dialogue full of doubt? It is important
to recognise this self-talk, and be aware of how it makes you feel
emotionally. Often times, we underestimate our ability, and this
can encourage the worst kind of fear; the fear we make up.
When Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “There is nothing to fear but
fear itself,” he was talking about the downfalls of being afraid. Of
course, some level of fear can help. However, when we are afraid
to make mistakes or take risks, we miss out on the richness of life.
An all-too-common phrase we say to ourselves is, “I’m not
good enough.” Take this phrase and change it to, “In the process
I will learn and I will grow.” Forgive yourself for any mistakes you
have made, or have yet to make, and vow to learn from your
experiences. You wouldn’t be in the position you’re in if you were
not ready for it, so have faith in your ability. And lastly, use this
opportunity to not judge yourself harshly, but to overcome your
fear of doing it again, so next time will be a little less scary.Jill Lawson is a writer and yoga teacher in Colorado, USA
(jilllawsonyoga.com)12 month Yoga Teacher
Training Course
Yoga Alliance Registered School RYS200
Certification has world-wide recognition through
http://www.yogaalliance.org‘If yoga is your passion this prestigious course will give
you the skills to teach with knowledge and confidence’
2017/18 courses begin -• 1/2 September alternate months at -
David Lloyd Newhaven, Edinburgh and
Perth Yoga Studio, Perth
• 8/9 September at Merchant City
Yoga, Glasgow
• 16/17 September in Weybridge Hall,
Church Street, Weybridge, SurreyI spent a long time searching for the right yoga course and, after
a year learning so much more than just the basics of teaching
yoga, I am so happy that this is the course I chose. I would highly
recommend it to anyone wishing to gain knowledge of the true
meaning of yoga. Sharon CYS graduate August 2016It’s been such a fabulous year learning so much from you, I
never dreamed this time 18 months ago I would have had such a
wonderful opportunity and come so far. Can’t thank you enough.
Lou, CYS Graduate, August 2016http://www.cysyogateachertraining.com
Enquiries and applications to:
June Mitchell, Course Director:[email protected]