Yoga and meditation have become such vital aspects of my life...My pulse quickens when I flip my mat out on my bedroom floor and light my candles. It is this feeling I hope to bring to the people in my classes next spring...

When I was filling out my application for the instructor's program I was a little surprised by the deeply personal questions on it. One in particular caught me off guard...What has been your greatest life challenge, and how have you overcome it? It was the fact that I'd never even asked myself that question...and felt that I should have that struck a nerve.

I sat with this, and searched for an answer for about a week. I mean, we all face so many things both internally, and externally throughout our lives. In the end, I poured out onto that page what I felt was my most thoughtful, and soul-searched response...and sent it off to some complete stranger's hands...

Then last night I did something else that I've never done before. I attempted Bakasana(or Cranes Pose)for the first time. I've always looked at those arm balances as way to difficult...unachievable. I mean, were they serious? A normal, average person is going to be able to balance her body up in the air...on her arms? For sure I'd end up on my face...or worse with a broken wrist.

Yet, something last night told me to just go for it. And so, carefully...slowly...I followed each step...and as I gingerly tipped my torso forward, my feet left the ground...my arms straightened...and I was there! I was relaxed...and overjoyed at the same time. There was absolutely no fear...just love for this body, mind, and spirit coming together to achieve yet one more thing that those gremlins had been saying couldn't be done.

There are so many of us that seem more comfortable with living with our fears and doubts. In these past few years I have really learned that the cost of that fear is just too high. Are you putting off following a dream? Are you unhappy with your job? Are you in a relationship that doesn't work...but aren't sure how to leave? The truth is everywhere you turn... Shedding what is holding you back, and causing you unhappiness can only bring you joy, and health in the end. Think of how you feel when you are doing something you are passionate about. It's fantastic, isn't it?

Now in my mind, I have a little list of unconquered fears...and I was going to mention a few of them here...but I'm not. Somehow, I think that gives them more power...so I will wait until I've moved past the next one...when it becomes just a shadowy little ghost hanging around my psyche...

All of our tiny steps are taking us to our own uniquely beautiful places. :)

xo