No Courage Without Fear

At the most basic level, Yoga is all about energy -- it's about allowing energy to flow freely within us and around us, while recognizing that there is an anchor to which we can connect that will enable us to feel safe no matter how intense the energy gets. In Yoga,the "union" with the source is the anchor. As we practice removing blockages to the steady flow of energy, that union is a source of courage because, let's face it, that energy can get pretty intense. I'm not just talking about holding a difficult pose or attempting a handstand in the middle of the room, though those metaphors are real and very rich opportunities to viscerally counter fear with courage. Far more difficult can be letting yourself feel the depth of your grief, your anger, even your creativity -- the real authentic movement of energy through you. Most of us learn to "manage" this energy in many ways -- through habitual thoughts, behavior, unconscious conditioning and addiction. For those of us who have learned such control, surrendering to the energy and having faith is the most frightening challenge of all. As we come face to face with our fear -- which we will do, over and over -- we would do well to remind ourselves that there can be no courage without fear. Your most terrifying times, those which might make you feel small, vulnerable, somehow "less" than you wish to be, also offer the opportunities for your utmost courage. Embrace them. The anchor is there.