Collect Your Courage
Sometimes you have to practice being courageous in order to show up like the warrior you are!
If there were ever a pose that everyone could do to make it appear as if they practice yoga, it would be Virabhadrasana II, or Warrior II. I have taught classes made up of yogis from all generations and abilities. One thing is for sure, if a Warrior II is incorporated in the sequence, everybody looks brave and fearless!
In her Ted Talk about body language, Amy Cuddy became widely known for Power Poses, such as the Wonder Woman pose. The purpose of this is to boost one’s confidence before doing something that is scary or requires bravery.
Have a presentation? Do the Power Pose!
Need to negotiate a raise? Prep with a Power Pose!
Want to ask someone out? Power Pose will give you the courage.
My Power Pose, both on and off the mat, is Warrior II. It takes up more space than Cuddy’s Power pose, yet, it reminds me of the vulnerability it takes to be brave.
Your drishti point, or focused gaze, is typically towards the front of the mat with your front knee bent. Meanwhile your heart is exposed as you reach your arms in opposite directions. As you practice Warrior II, even if you feel resistance, you’d still have a sense of openness to invite new ideas and clarity that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
If you think about it, throughout life you are risking a part of yourself to take chances that may fail.
Take the risk! It makes life worthwhile.
