It’s hard to have trust when the world seems to be in chaos and nothing in life seems to be consistent. Having a regular yoga practice can help to provide structure and stability in uncertain times. But more essentially it’s deep within ourselves where we have to create this foundation of trust, a foundation that will help us to feel rooted and safe even in the stormiest days.
Yoga – Breath work – Meditation
Offer us so knowledge, tools and techniques to help you build or re-build the foundations of Shraddhā (श्रद्धा) – Trust:
1. YOGA PRACTICE
A regular yoga practice will inevitably give you a new sense of serenity and confidence.
Remember the first time you were introduced to headstand in a class? Did your mind instantly freak out in fear? At some point, we trust ourselves enough on the mat to try a pose based on our self-knowledge and eventually we master a complex asana that we used to be afraid of. Shraddhā arises and the trust towards your inner Self grows a little more. Step by step, experience by experience we enrich ourselves with wisdom and we just know that we are on the right path.
On your yoga mat –
- Practice something new, something that challenges you
- Practice Inversions or arm balances
- Grounding, calm asanas (yoga poses) like forward folds, child’s pose help to build a calm foundation and relax the nervous system
2. BREATH WORK
Sama Vritti Pranayama (Box Breathing)
Sama Vritti Pranayama is a powerful relaxation tool that can help to clear the mind from fear and relax the body.
Close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose, slowly counting to 4. Feel the air filling your lungs.- Hold your breath here and slowly count to 4 again. Try not to clamp your airways shut. Simply avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 counts.
- Slowly exhale to the count of 4.
- Hold the exhale for another 4 counts.
- Repeat steps 1–4 for 4 minutes or until you feel calm and centered.
3. MEDITATION
Mantra Meditation is a meditation technique whereby you quietly or within your mind’s eye repeat a mantra for the duration of your meditation practice. This aids the mind to stay focused on still and deepens the intention behind the mantra you are meditating with.
- Choose 5 or 10 or even 30 minutes daily to meditate using the Mantra and Mudra below this will strengthen, deepen and build Trust!
Mantra to use during your meditation:
“Eem Hreem Kleem”
I radiate confidence and strength. I am at ease with not knowing. I can wait with purpose. I don’t need to have all the answers to know that all is well inside. I listen for messages that I’m on the right path and meet each situation with hope. I can be strong in love, even in the face of fear, and I can grow.
Mudra to use during your meditation
“Vajrapradama Mudra”: Unshakeable Trust Seal
Interlace your fingers with your thumbs pointing up in front of your chest. Draw your elbows wide.
This mudra represents unshakeable self-confidence, inner strength, and faith in something greater.
“Self-trust means we have the confidence necessary to follow through and pursue things that feel right… self-trust is the most intimate way of expressing your trust in God and the universe. You are not a separate creation, remember, and you did not create yourself. Trusting yourself, therefore, is actually trusting in the intelligence of the Creator who made you. It is your personal demonstration of your trust in the universe and Infinite Mind, and your confidence will be well reinforced because of your ever-increasing sensitivity. This basic self-trust is the foundation of all yoga and the prevailing quality of those who have learned to be their own best teachers.”
– Erich Schiffman
