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I thought I would share a little story that seems to sum up my own personal theme for the month and what I have taken from it and a few tips I got from an author I just happen to meet at the printing shop the night before the Sunshine Coast Yoga Day.

This ‘author’ his name was Paul happen to be instumental in hosting one of the first visits of the Dalai Lamas visits to Australia and after an enjoyable conversation on the 8 Limbs of Yoga and the 8 Fold Path I asked him to share a summing up.

 FEAR VS FAITH

When I reflect on what seems to produce stress in my life it really is FEAR ( rather what I ‘perceive as fearful’). When I reflect on those moments that I seem to be FEAR-LESS I put it down to ‘remembering’ I have FAITH.  It seems public speaking gives me a chance to make friends with those habitual tendencies that make up FEAR – like comparing yourself to others, worrying what people will think of you, doubting you will be ‘good enough’ to make a difference.

Although FEAR or rather its characteristics (self doubt & comparison) can be seen as ‘bad’ or ‘unyogic’ by some, for me it’s what you do with that experience that can make a difference.  For me these feelings are sometimes the kick up the pants that I need to come back to my Yoga Practice and as challenging as it is – use your breath, work this ‘unreal’ form of stress through your body and then use the experience for good.

In otherwords above all just have the courage to show up regardless, get yourself out of the way and ‘serve’ and come back to your intention of why you practice YOGA.

One of the best blessings of being a Yoga Teacher is to have the privilege of being able to serve others, this on its own can be powerful enough to transform FEAR into FAITH, your focus is no longer about you worrying about what people think of you but a deeper connection to TRUTH.

My lesson from the mat/meditation cushion this month is yet another reminder that –

 FEAR CAN BE JUST WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER FAITH.

Don’t practice YOGA just to heal – but rather for the LOVE OF TRUTH:)

I asked Paul, “What did you learn from your life and from working with the Dalai Lama…….

Paul said to me the three characteristics I have noticed in all my teachers in life (including the Dalai Lama)

1. They all have an uproariess laugh

2. They have learnt to relax

3. They are FEARLESS because they “know” through experience what it means to have FAITH and be truly CONNECTED

When I asked Paul why he was writing his book, he replied to leave a legacy. Although my life goals may have been to be on the cover of time magezine (etc etc) if I can share what I have learnt and on my grave stone I wish to have on it “HE TRIED” then my job is done. As I left the printers I turned with a smile and said THANKYOU and he said oh and the most important thing – to make people SMILE 🙂

To SMILE with your heart and say THANKS is prayer in action

Namaste and have a good day xox Tammy

Picture of Tammys’ class at Sunshine Coast Yoga Day 2013