Dr. Regina's Healing & Psychotherapy Blog

"To live with courage is the highest form of practice...It is interesting that both love and courage are said to reside in the heart. When we live by consciously choosing courage, we express life's spirit. Today express your courage by choosing something difficult to say or do. It need only be a small thing, but it will open your heart." 

The italicized excerpt was taken from "A year of living your yoga: daily practices to shape your life", by Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

When our lives are not going well, we may be more in touch with fear than with courage. Many people enter my office hoping to eliminate fear and find courage. Fear and courage however, are not mutually exclusive. You can feel both. Many people imagine that if they could stop feeling afraid, they could be change their lives.

But in reality, we can feel afraid and still practice courage. We can choose to stand up in courage and act courageously.

In yoga this morning, we were attempting a new trick, and my teacher gently reminded the class, "remember, yoga is a practice, not a perfect". Although I was feeling afraid, I decided to act with courage and try the new pose. It was indeed, not perfect, but I noticed I smiled a bit as I transitioned to the next asana. If you decide to practice courage today, do it with a gentle and compassionate attitude.

"...Today express your courage by choosing something difficult to say or do. It need only be a small thing, but it will open your heart."