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Overcoming Fear in Yoga: Poses to Build Confidence
Yoga is a very beneficial practice, and sometimes people face a lot of fear while doing the pose. This fear can be of different forms, such as the fear of falling while doing the pose or the fear of any injury while performing the pose.
But don’t be sad; there is some good news for you! One can perform many yoga asanas to help bring balance and stability, and remove fear.
Whether it be fear of injury, fear of failure, or even fear of letting go, yoga can surely help. There are many asanas here that can help you make yoga a fearless practice! Let us explore how to manage fear in your yoga journey and the process of overcoming fear in yoga.
Understanding Fear in Yoga Practice
Fear in yoga can come from different courses, and understanding its origins is the first step to overcoming it.
One may have a fear of falling, and this is especially prevalent in balancing crow pose, headstand, and also handstand. This fear of hitting the floor can cause a lot of hesitation and tension! There is also the fear of injury, as practitioners worry about pushing their bodies too far and getting hurt. Yoga, as a practice, can also bring up suppressed emotions that can overwhelm some practitioners.
1. How Fear Affects Your Yoga Practice: Transform Fear With Yoga
Fear affects not only our mental state but also our physical performance. Here’s how:
- Fear creates tightness in the body, restricting movement and making poses difficult.
- When afraid, we tend to hold our breath or breathe rapidly. This reduces oxygen flow and enhances anxiety.
- Fear can also cause mental chatter, distracting one from mindfulness and presence!
- If fear is not taken care of, it may lead to skipping poses and limiting progress in the practice!
2. Surrender and Relax
“Fear is excitement without the breath.”
Once a practitioner has let go of your fears and preconceived notions of what your yoga practice should look like, it’s time to relax! One can truly allow themselves to stretch and avoid injury by relaxing into each pose.
Breathe and Let the Fear Fade Away
When we become afraid, we tense up, and our breathing becomes short and shallow. Thus, one should consciously control the breath. When you inhale, make a mental check for areas of tension in the body. With each breath out, allow the tension to release!
Yoga Poses To Remove Fear in Yoga Practice
There are many grounding yoga poses that remove fear in yoga. Practicing yoga can help overcome fear by calming the nervous system, building inner strength, and promoting well-being. Yoga to overcome fear includes poses that ground you, enhance stability, and foster a sense of security.
1. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
- This very pose provides a sense of security and surrender
- It helps to calm the mind and relieves stress
- Encourages deep breathing that helps to remove fear.
2. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
- This pose helps to build confidence through yoga
- It helps in releasing fear by creating a sense of balance.
Also Read: Tadasana: Mastering the Mountain Pose for Optimal Posture and Balance
3. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
- Enhances courage and inner strength
- It opens the chest and heart, releasing stored emotions
- It also encourages focus and determination.
4. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
- It helps to improve balance and mental stability
- This pose also aids in overcoming fear of instability
- It strengthens concentration and mindfulness
Also Read: Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior II Pose): Benefits, Steps, Key Tips & Contraindications
5. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
- This pose opens the heart center, helping to release stored fear
- Encourages vulnerability and trust
- It also helps to improve posture.
Also Read: Ustrasana: the Camel’s Strength for Physical and Spiritual Mastery
Ways to Overcome Fear in Yoga Practice
1. Practice Different Forms of Breathing
When fear arises, focus on deep, controlled breathing to calm the nervous system and return to the present moment.
- Ujjayi Breath: A steady, audible breath that helps to regulate the nervous system
- 4-7-8 Breathing: One can inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for 8 counts to slow the heart rate and reduce fear
- Exhalation-focused breathing: Extending the exhale helps release fear-related tension.
2. Cultivate a Non-Judgemental Mindset
Fear often arises from self-doubt and comparison. Thus, shift from judgement to curiosity—don’t criticize yourself and approach challenges with an open mindset. Don’t doubt yourself. Tell yourself things like “ I am capable”. Let go of the need for perfection.
3. Build Confidence Gradually
- Start with modifications and props. Use blocks, straps, or even walls for support in difficult poses.
- Increase intensity gradually rather than rushing into advanced postures.
- Practice falling safely. Learn how to exit a pose safely, reducing the fear of falling.
4. Visualisation Techniques
This helps to do away with fear in yoga.
- Close your eyes and picture yourself performing the pose with ease
- Imagine a sense of stability and strength in your body
- Repeat a positive affirmation
5. Practice off the Mat
Facing fear in asanas teaches us how to handle fear in real-life situations.
- Step out of your comfort zone in small ways
- Use breathing techniques
- Apply mindfulness in yoga in every task.
How to Overcome Specific Fears in Yoga
Fear of Falling
- Practice asanas near a wall for balance.
- One should strengthen one’s core and wrists to improve stability.
- Use a soft surface (like a blanket or yoga mat stack) for safe landings.
Fear of Injury
- Warm up properly
- Honour your body’s limits; never over-exert
- Work with experienced teachers for guidance.
Fear of Judgment
- Focus on yourself rather than looking around the class.
- Choose a class that feels comfortable and supportive.
- Remind yourself that everyone has a different style and coping mechanism.
Fear of Deep Emotional Release
- Accept emotions as part of healing.
- Allow tears or emotions to arise without suppressing them.
- Engage in meditation for emotional balance.
Conclusion
If one faces fear in yoga, that can hinder their progress and lead to avoiding poses. By controlling fear in your yoga practice, one can transform challenges into opportunities for growth
For those who want to make yoga a part of their daily lives, they can join Rishikul Yogshala Rishikesh, and take up the many courses that include 200 Hour Yoga TTC in Rishikesh, 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, and 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Controlling Fear in Yoga Practice
1. Why do I feel fear during yoga practice?
Fear in yoga can arise from physical, mental, or other emotional factors.
2. What yoga poses help with overcoming fear?
Poses that build strength and grounding, such as Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I & II), Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), and Child’s Pose (Balasana).
3. Does breathwork help in controlling fear?
Yes! Breathwork surely helps in controlling fear. Breathwork techniques like Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Ujjayi Breath (Victorious Breath) reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Can meditation help with fear in yoga?
Yes, meditation helps you observe your fears without reacting to them. Practices like guided meditation, yoga nidra, and mantra chanting can remove fear.
