Showing up as a “Yes”

Showing up as a “Yes”

When approaching yoga teacher training I have a few intentions in mind that will enable me to show up as a “yes” more fully on and off my mat.  I am committed to strengthening my practice and integrating it into every aspect of my life.  Firstly, I am walking onto this new path with a beginner’s mindset.  Secondly, I am approaching this training with the desire and intention to increase my capacity for and access to vulnerability.  Lastly, I am working towards bringing down the outer shields I tend to keep and relying more confidently on the inner strength that I have been building and continue to build within myself.  

I have been practicing yoga for some time now.  I was introduced to vinyasa and kundalini by my grandparents and was drawn in immediately.  I have practiced in various studios and cities, and I have studied under many teachers, but I know that I have barely scratched the surface regarding this ancient practice and way of being.  I will approach this training with a beginner’s mindset leaving all previous notions or preconceptions at the door.  I know this will enable me to absorb all of the lessons before me in the most whole and complete way. 

Vulnerability has been a challenge for me for as long as I can remember, and there were reasons for that guardedness, but I have reached a place in my life where I know I’m ready to have easier access to that space of vulnerability.  I am going to use this journey as an opportunity to practice vulnerability freely and easily.  I will make this a focus in and out of the studio, but I know the studio, and these weekends, offer me a very safe and warm space to begin to ease into that part of myself that has remained walled off to so many, for so long. 

In the past I have walked into most situations with shields up, relying on that armor to protect me instead of relying on my inner strength and inherent knowing.  I have felt that inner strength growing in recent years as I have delved deeper into my practice, but I find myself struggling to trust it, and still relying on those shields often.  To fully show up as a “yes” I will take off that armor and offer myself the opportunity to build trust with the strength that dwells within me.  I know that when trust is built, I will be able to be softer, gentler, and more compassionate while maintaining strength which that outer armor has not allowed.   

Showing up as a “yes” also means being open to the unexpected, leaving any expectations at the door, and leaning in when things may feel hard or scary.  I know this will require patience and courage.  I am ready and excited to face these challenges, and I know to do so I must actively quiet the bad wolf’s voice in my head that says, “you don’t belong here”, “you’re not good enough”, and “you may fail.” I will work to combat that voice and allow the voice that says, “you belong”, “you are enough”, and “you will succeed”, to shine through.  I am so excited to begin this new chapter in my practice through-ytt.