Fear vs Love – Yoga with Rona

Hello! I’m starting a new weekly blog series called “Inspirational Quotes.” These posts will include sayings or affirmations that are great for journaling prompts or just something to meditate on. They are meant to add a little inspiration and awareness to your week. This week’s quote is about fear versus love.

Inspirational quotes

I cure the habit of fear and embrace the habit of love.

Gabrielle Bernstein

Fear drives us in many of our actions. Fear of rejection, inadequacy, exposure, humiliation and the list goes on. It’s an energy-consuming habit and, even worse, it actually prevents us from growing, experiencing joy, and realizing our full potential.

This quote reminds us to consciously heal our fears, that we are always enough and on the right path. That no opinion matters more than ours. It’s okay to make mistakes because we are all imperfect. Instead of adopting fear-based behavior, take a step back and act with more awareness and out of love.

Simply put, when we act out of fear, we feel bad. When we act out of love, we feel good. The more you tune into what you feel, the easier it becomes. The more you listen to your intuition, the stronger the habit becomes until it becomes automatic.

One way to implement this is to come face to face with your fear. Let it come and pass. We heal by feeling and being, not by hiding and denying. Yoga teaches us to experience our bodies without judgment, and the same is true when we face emotions like fear. Don’t judge him. Just let it come and let it be. Then, let it go quietly.

By adopting the habit of love, we engage in making more connections instead of causing separation. We welcome more positivity, joy and growth.

Diary Prompt: Fear vs. Love

What are some of my fear-based behaviors?

How can I allow my fears to come and go in a healthy way?

What can I do today that is based on love and not fear?

Yoga Pose to Try: Fear vs. Love

Try the reclining butterfly to settle in quietly as you feel the emotions arising. Let the sensation come to you and allow it to release as you open your hips and chest. Sometimes it’s easy to let go and other times not so much. When we practice yoga we do not judge. We simply allow and observe. Healing comes from acceptance.

Reclining butterfly | Supta Baddha Konasana

The reclining butterfly, also known as the reclining bound angle, opens the chest and hips while helping to reduce fatigue and stress.

Sanskrit: Supta Baddha Konasana

Drishti: nose or eyes closed

Contrapose: bridge, reclining hero, savasana

Materials

• yoga mat
• Folded blankets (optional)
• Reinforcement (optional)
• Straps (optional)

Instructions

1. 1. 1. Start in a sitting position with your legs extended. Bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall to one side. You can place blocks or folded blankets under your knees for support.
      2. Slowly lean back, using your hands for balance, and lie down on the mat or with a cushion under your back. Bring your hands to your sides, palms facing up.
      3. Melt into the ground and remain for five to ten breaths, or more. To exit, slowly turn to one side and sit down.

Grades

Modifications: Place blankets or folded blocks under both knees for support. You can also place a cushion under your back. Use straps placed under your lower back, over things, and around your feet to keep your legs in place if necessary.

Preparatory postures: butterfly, hero, forward fold with wide legs, triangle

Tracking Postures: bridge, savasana