Thoughts on Yoga
Have Confidence in Yourself
2007-09-09
For several years now, I have been working on overcoming my fear of hights. Let me state that it was more like a PHOBIA than a legitimate fear.
For instance, I couldn't look at someone else climbing or standing in a high place. I had to turn around and cover my eyes.
There was no question of me ever climbing anything or enjoying the view from a steep lookout.
I decided I wanted to climb and hike in steep places and would teach myself to enjoy it.
To lessen my fear, I sought out challenges that were difficult but manageable.
I can tell you it has been tough. I have spent a good deal of time on the trail feeling nervous, even panicked at times. Once or twice I got into something too scary and had to retreat.
But every time I succeeded I felt a rush of bliss afterward. Not just relief but pulsating joy and self-love.
I have been able to lessen my fear quite a bit. Last week I went rock climbing on a cliff on the Atlantic Ocean.
While pushing back my comfort zone, I have had a lot of time to listen to the way my mind creates fear by obsessing on possible bad outcomes.
When you are outdoors doing something challenging and scary, every sense is sharpened. Obsessing and panic get in the way of your safety. You know you have to stay cool no matter what.
But when you are in your everyday environment, everything is less clear. So you can slip into fear without even knowing it. That fear can stop you from going for what you want and need.
Fear of falling off a rock face isn't different from other fears--fear of opening up to someone, fear of starting a new venture, or fear of confronting the truth in a bad situation. When you are in the grip of fear, you can't move and you can't think straight. You make bad choices or no real choices at all.
Fear is overcome by self-confidence and overcoming fear makes you self confident.
Take Action! Choose challenges that are within your abilities but are still scary. Tell yourself "I can do this," over and over again. Repeat like a mantra in your head and you will find the strength you need to get through it.
Needless to say, the stronger your concentration is the more you can take advantage of this technique. If your concentration is weak you will fall prey to the fear thoughts again and again.
The ability to control your muscles, your nervous system and your thoughts is the hallmark of the accomplished yogi. Start now and train your body and mind diligently. You will see your horizons broadening before you.