Do Something that Scares You

Two years ago, I had a somewhat consistent yoga practice, but had not yet taken the leap into yoga teacher training.  I was a little under a year into settling into a new community after we had moved, and was also trying to settle into a new yoga studio.  At one point in the spring, Heather, the owner of the studio, mentioned that the Berkshire Yoga Festival was returning and that the studio could help get us a discount on our tickets if we wanted to go.  This opportunity sounded amazing, and the location of the festival was only about an hour and a half away.  I jumped at the chance to secure a ticket and went about the rest of my spring.

Then it was June.

Although I was very excited to attend 3 days of the festival, I was also terrified. 

Some people might be surprised to learn that I can actually feel excruciatingly uncomfortable in a group of people I don’t know and in some social situations.  With people I know, or in work settings where I can put on my professional hat, I have socializing down.  But outside, in the real world, just as my true self, I can be filled with panic.

How in the world did I think I was going to attend some festival, by myself?!  This meant talking to strangers and engaging in meaningful, deep conversations as part of some of the breakout sessions.  Was I crazy?!

I was nervous going to this event, like a kid attending their irst day at a new school.  But I pushed myself to go.  My internal coach reiterated that if at any point I wanted to leave, I could, and no one would notice – but I had to try.

Long story short, the experience was transformative.  It solidified my love for yoga as a personal practice, confirmed for me that I wanted to pursue teach training in the fall with Heather, and connected me to some people who would end up being important to my journey.  It was where I was first introduced to Nikki Myers and Y12SR, and where I was connected to teachers from Kripalu and I found out about their Mindful Outdoor Guide training which I am finally attending this fall.

This year, this coming weekend is the Berkshire Yoga Festival, and I am excited to go for two of the days.  I don’t have fear this time, and I look forward to being a sponge for the experiences ahead.

I am so grateful to my terrified self for still doing something terrifying, even if she was secretly shaking in her yoga pants the whole time.

What has fear been holding you back from trying?  And can you try it even if it still is scary?