Intro: You’re listening to The Prana + Patchouli Podcast, with me, Amy Davies. I’m a restorative yoga teacher and every week I’ll be sharing practice tips, spiritual tools, breathwork and guided meditations to reduce stress and raise your vibration. If you haven’t already, be sure to hit subscribe, so you never miss an episode.
What if your fear isn’t a bad thing, but rather a supportive, guiding sign from your soul?
I’m not talking about being scared of things that go bump in the night, but doing something that will move you in the direction of your dreams. Maybe it’s a decision you need to make or an action you need to take.
Carl Jung: “Where the fear is, there is your task”.
I think that sometimes we want to be “fearless”, but we can’t get trapped in thinking some magical day will arrive where we’ll no longer feel afraid. That’s not how it works.
There have been times in my life when I’ve let fear run the show and keep me stuck. But then it always got to the point where it felt more uncomfortable, and even painful, to stay where I was, than to take a step into the unknown.
When we choose to follow our dreams, it’s true that there’s no certainty that it’ll work out. We might fall or fly. But that all contributes to our growth!
In any given moment, we can choose to shrink or expand. We can choose fear, or we can be courageous and choose love. I know which one wins for me - every time, because taking no chances means wasting our dreams. And we wouldn’t have the dream within us if we didn’t already have what it takes to make it happen!
So, let’s lean into that word “courage” a little… The original definition of courage when it first came to the English language, was from the Latin word “cor” meaning heart, and it meant “to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart”.
I just love that, and looking back, the most miraculous moments in my life were only possible because I was brave and let my heart lead the way.
For example, last week, I was in Paris and I was walking around my old neighbourhood where I used to live 12 years ago. I was 20 at the time and I packed up all my bags and moved to Paris on my own. I went to the Sorbonne University and I was studying French Law, and it was probably one of the most difficult things that I could’ve chosen to do with my life, and it certainly wasn’t an easy time. But I learnt so much about myself then, and I honoured this dream which I had in my heart at the time, which was to sit on the edge of the Seine, the river that runs through Paris, and drink wine on long, lazy summer evenings with my friends. And I did that! And that wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t dug deep, really listened to my heart, and let that lead the way. And so walking through those streets, and walking around my old university and even going to my old university bar, which funnily enough was The Bombardier, and if any of you are fans of Emily in Paris, you’ve probably seen it on there! It was just so magical and healing to go back to that time in my life when I was so young, vulnerable and just open. And that experience opened me up to so many more possibilities and really helped me to tap into the potential within me, and gave me confidence, by doing something that scared me at the time, but that turned out to be so incredible, and gave me the confidence to find courage in other situations.
Like when I finally left my legal career, because it no longer felt aligned, and I started my own yoga and wellbeing business online, and now I get to spend every single day doing what I love, and it makes me feel truly happy.
But again, none of that would’ve been possible if I hadn’t been brave, really attuned with the energy of my dreams and let my heart lead the way.
And you probably have those moments in your life where, if you look back, and you’re like “wow, I was really brave then and this time in my life opened up so many doors and led to so many more magical things that wouldn’t have have been possible if I didn’t take a chance on myself”. At least I hope you have those moments that you can celebrate and honour yourself for!
Now, if you asked me for one piece of advice on how to be courageous and go for your dreams, my answer would be inspired by my yoga practice: take a breath, then move.
Because on the mat, the inhale initiates the movement and the exhale settles us in. It’s like that quote: “feel the fear and do it anyway”. With each inhale, you can tune into that feeling and tap into the deep well of courage within. Then, the exhale moves you right through it.
Action is the antidote to anxiety because it grounds you in the present. And once you get going, your fearful mind no longer has any grip or power over you.
Fear is a compass that can lead us in the right direction if we let it. It’s like the GPS within. I think the secret to moving the needle towards your dreams is getting quiet enough to hear the loving voice of your intuition, and then being courageous enough to act when it comes.
One way we can get still and quiet is with restorative yoga and I’d love to share a little heart-opening sequence with you here. You can spend 5-10 minutes in each of the poses, which will help you soften your heart and listen closely to your inner truth - so you can lead with love.
Start in Supported Fish, transition into Supported Butterfly, and then into Supported Bridge or even Elevated Legs Up The Wall.
You can also do any of these poses on their own.
I always like to unwind with a Reclined Twist on each side, and then relax in Savasana to feel complete.
We spend so much of our time hunched over our computers, phones or in an effort to protect our hearts and emotions. This practice will help you feel receptive and open in your heart space, rather than closed-off and rounded forwards. Since our bodies and minds are connected, we can embody feeling more positive and uplifted by opening the chest, shoulders and upper back.
Now let’s end this episode with a short Courage Meditation. This is a really beautiful way to start your day and instill courage in your heart as you go for your dreams.
So just find a comfortable seat if you can and it’s safe to do so with me now. You can sit on the floor or in a chair, with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Softly close your eyes, then begin to tap into your breath, feeling the gentle flutter of your inhales and exhales, as they come and go. Each time, inviting in a deeper, longer and smoother breath. Breathing in, breathing out. Inhale deeply and exhale completely. As you relax your shoulders down, your chest lifts. Your heart and belly soften, with the natural rise and fall of your breath.
You can be both soft and strong at the same time. There’s bravery in being gentle. And right now, we’re moving towards a new paradigm, away from stress and struggle, and into ease and flow. Feel that with each deeper breath. Instead of pushing or forcing our way through life, we can tune in to our inner wisdom, and tap into the courage that’s already within us. To be brave enough to be our true selves. To trust our gut and our instincts. To expand our comfort zone as we do so. To allow ourselves to share our magic and light with others.
Now as you inhale, silently say to yourself: I am strong. And as you exhale: I am brave. Continue to repeat that mantra on the in breath, and the out breath. I am strong. I am brave. And really find the energy behind those words, and how they feel in your heart. There’s so much magic in allowing our hearts to soften and to lead with love.
Just take one more full inhale here, and take a clearing sigh out, releasing any resistance. Then when you’re ready, open your eyes and let in the light.
So, if fear is keeping you stuck from moving in the direction of your big dreams, I hope this episode encourages you to be you - bravely, on your path.
From courage, comes confidence. Each time you flex your courage muscles, you strengthen your soul. Plus, it’s contagious. When the people around you see you being courageous, it inspires them to go for their dreams, too. And the world needs more people like you who are following their dreams.
As CS Lewis said: “Courage, dear heart”.
I hope you have a wonderful week. Take that mantra with you and remind yourself, whenever you need to: I am strong. I am brave. Tune in to the wisdom of your heart and let that lead the way.
Bye for now and I’ll see you back here soon!
Outro: I hope you loved this episode of The Prana + Patchouli Podcast! If you want more support and inspiration for your practice, then be sure to join our community of seekers, feelers and dreamers, by signing up for my weekly emails at pranapatchouli.com. You’ll also get my free mini virtual retreat to help you stress less and restore peace right away! I’ll be back next week with a brand new episode, so until then, from my heart to yours, Namaste.
