Hello, yogi and yogini friends! I hope this Tiki-gram finds you happy, healthy, and not too sore from all those chaturangas we did for the Yoga Aid Challenge last weekend!

Myself, I’ve been working on my Upward-Facing Dog lately. The Downward Dog I’ve got down pat, but I definitely feel more awkward and tense in the backbends, like Upward Dog. So last week when I was practicing my Upward Dog, breathing, and gaining more awareness of my body and my emotions in the pose, I realized that the Upward Dog is scary for me because it feels so risky. I feel vulnerable in that position, and it really takes some courage for me just to stay in the pose and remain calm. But after a little while of sticking with it and practicing my backbend, I began to get it: even though Upward Dog seemed risky and scary because I felt so vulnerable, I knew that I was safe in this pose. The posture started to reinforce the fact that it’s okay to approach life with an open heart, even when you feel vulnerable doing so, because being open-hearted and real with our feelings is how we stay true to ourselves.

For all of us, there are all different sorts of risks we can take in life, whether it’s in trying a new brand of treats, buying a house, or sharing our feelings with those we care about. Sometimes opening up and living authentically feels scary because we’re unsure of the outcome; after all, that treat might taste yucky. But as we practice yoga, and in particular the backbends, we can develop the courage to open our hearts and live fully, to follow our dreams, take those risks, and try the new treats. It takes courage to put yourself out there, without worrying about what people will think about it. But with all my doggie wisdom I’m finding that the risk is worth it, no matter the outcome, because there is an amazing freedom and liberation that comes when you’re totally honest about your feelings, hopes, and dreams. And most of the time, if we let go of the fear, we find that those treats are actually quite tasty!

Just like practicing a backbend, sometimes following our hearts feels risky and scary. We feel vulnerable, but we can begin to feel secure with that and know that it’s okay to open our hearts, in the pose and in life. By practicing these backbends, we’re teaching ourselves that when we approach life with an open heart, we’re always safe and protected. Even though it feels scary to go after your dreams, maybe people tell you you’re crazy for taking those risks, but you know in your heart that it’s what is right for you in order to live in a way that’s true to yourself.

Yoga helps us cultivate the courage to live authentically and honestly. Whether it’s in taking risks in your career, or in telling the people you care about how you feel, you know you’re living true to your heart, whatever the outcome. So this week, have the courage to open your heart, and every time you stretch into that Upward Dog, let it reinforce how great it feels to be a beacon of love and compassion!

Namaste,
Tiki