Confidence, finding the belief in ourselves. When we lack it, we can feel shaken in our own bodies and minds. In my experience, confidence doesn’t just appear. It grows in small increments proportional to the small actions taken when we slowly prove to ourselves that what we are aiming for is possible.
Ironman endurance racing has long had the tagline “Anything is Possible” which is brilliant. Endurance racing seems impossible until the training is broken down into small growth increments over time. Growing a persons physical and mental strength to eventually get them to the possible – the finish line. With each stroke in the water, each pedal on the bike, and step on the ground, the vision gets clearer.
But what happens when we are not successful? What happens when we initiate the changes to build confidence and, in the end, we do not get the result? We must analyze if we have done all that was within our control.
This leads to, what I believe, is key to our confidence. Control. Consider those times when we move through life unsure, we seem to move with momentum, allowing the universe to lead. It leaves us feeling unsure and hoping for the best. But what happens when we make our movements more intentional, when we take control? We begin to feel certain about the outcome, we can see the path, we can visualize the “finish line”. Yes, there are times when we must relinquish control, when those outside factors influence our lives. This is when we look inward, and we control our perspective – have your read last week’s Yoga Inspiration on Angles and Perspectives? When we cannot change the outcome, we control how we view it.
Journaling Ideas: List the people, places and situations that make you feel most confident. Within this list, note what is in your control. Now, list people, places, and situations that make you feel the least confident. Within this list, note what is in your control. What do you observe?
Meditation Ideas: This week I want you to write a mantra for yourself. One that brings you confidence in a situation you might be struggling with. A mantra is a word/statement that affirms positivity and can be used during your meditation. For example, “I deserve success in the career I love”. Or perhaps, “I am love”. You can look to traditional mantras such as “So Hum” which is Sanskrit for “I am that”. It’s a way to express oneness, of being one with the universe and that the universal energy is nourishing us and supporting our lives, our desires. Take your mantra into any type of meditation that speaks to you this week; seated, walking, etc.
After a 10-15min warm-up below are suggested poses for your week to help facilitate opening in body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga Poses to Add to Your Practice This Week:
- Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana): An open position in which it takes strength to control our bodies, our minds.
- Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III): A confidence building pose, adding balance to the practice. We know we must control the gaze, the shape of the body, to remain steady. When we fall out, our confidence can be shaken, but our practice teaches us to try again.
- Eagle Pose (Garudasana): Using our midline strength to pull it all together while we balance ourselves. What I love about this pose for our Yoga Inspiration this week is that sometimes our inner strength is what holds us together, what keeps us in control, what keeps us confident!
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being.
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga? Join our upcoming 200HR Yoga Teacher Training in Calgary, AB! Within this training you will learn about over 100 yoga postures, within 5 different yoga modalities. At the AYC we do not teach one “brand” of yoga, but we do teach you to honour the traditions while thinking critically about the movement and science behind the posture.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
With gratitude,
-Stephanie