Choosing hope over fear
We've all been faced with many new and unexpected challenges and difficulties over the past few months - both personally and professionally
While there's been some comfort in the knowledge that we're not alone and in this together, how we respond and deal with life's twists and turns will vary from person to person.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow (famous for his 'hierarchy of needs') said, “In any given moment, we have two choices: step forward into growth or step backward into safety.”
Each time we're presented with a problem in life, no matter how big or small, there is always the opportunity to look forward, to learn and grow from the experience or to step back, seek comfort and safety, to retreat in fear and even go back to old habits.
Did you take a hopeful approach to COVID_19 and actively look for ways to make the most of the situation? Or did you focus on all the things you were missing and couldn't do?
It's a similar experience when we step on the yoga mat. Every class is an opportunity to observe and practice how we respond to the poses we dislike or find difficult, as well as the ones we enjoy.
In time, with consistent and dedicated practice, we start to notice patterns in our thoughts and behaviour and can begin to exercise our ability to grow, expand our comfort zone and realm of possibility.
For some people this comes more naturally than others. But like all skills, the more you practice the better you'll get.
Have I been able to navigate these past months with grace? Not every day, but I think I did OK - (reluctantly) embracing online yoga, securing extra work (which turned out to be too much!) and attempting to create a more homely and relaxing environment in our share-house.
But there's always room for improvement, so join me on the mat and let's keep practicing together!
“Authenticity is not something we have or don't have. It's a practice - a conscious choice of how we want to live. Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
- Brene Brown
