3 Ways to trust your inner teacher

How is your transition from the freedom of summer back into the regular yoga and meditation routine of the fall? I hope you've found a few moments to return to your mat, even if it's just for a single pose to start your day or a few grounding breaths before bed.

I’m continuing my September series of three simple invitations each week to ease you back into practice…one lovely pose, one fun practice, one thoughtful ritual.  Let’s focus this week on confidence.

Maybe you've noticed it: that quiet voice of self-doubt that whispers, "I'm too stiff," "I don't know what to practice," or "I should be further along by now." Confidence isn't about silencing that voice — it's about learning to move with it, to stand steady even when uncertainty is present. It's the unshakable knowing that you are enough, exactly as you are, and that your body holds wisdom you can trust.

Your yoga mat is a beautiful place to cultivate this kind of confidence and trust, the quiet, grounded belief that you know what you need, and you're capable of meeting yourself there.

So here are three things to help you feel that steadiness and confidence on your mat, and to carry it into your days. Try any one or try all three, and notice what shifts.

1. Find confidence in the Warrior Poses 
Standing for a few moments in a powerful yoga pose can make you feel strong and powerful.  And a fun way to boost confidence is to do the Warrior Poses. 
The Warrior poses are named Virabhadrasana in Sanskrit.  In an ancient Hindu myth, Virabhadra was a fierce and brave warrior created by Shiva in an angry reaction to the death of his beloved wife.   He may have been created in the anger of loss, but he was also created for love.  For our modern lives I like to think of the Warrior as peaceful, strong, confident and brave.  The Warrior Poses are energizing, confidence-building poses that also open your heart.  They help us develop strength, stability and stamina. There are different variations: Warrior I, Warrior II, Warrior III, Vulnerable Warrior, Humble Warrior.  They each offer a different energy.  Learn more HERE.
This week, step onto your mat for a Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) to feel strong, confident, brave and ready for anything.  Remember to practice the pose on both sides to keep things balanced.

2. Dismantle self-doubt and cultivate unshakeable self-trust and self-confidence with this Inner Strength Meditation 
You can practice this meditation lying down on your yoga mat, or in a comfortable seated position.  Here’s how.

• Close your eyes or soften your gaze. 
  
• Bring your attention to your breath. Take a few deep, nourishing inhales and long, releasing exhales. Allow your body to arrive.
  
• Then move your attention to your solar plexus — the area between your navel and ribcage, the seat of your personal power and inner fire.  Imagine a small, steady point of light there, representing your baseline strength and confidence.
  
• As you inhale, imagine this light expanding. 
  
• As you exhale, let go of any self-doubt, second-guessing, or outside noise. Repeat this for a few cycles until you feel anchored.
  
• Summon your inner wisdom. Visualize a version of yourself who is entirely secure, grounded, and clear-headed. This is your "inner teacher." See them standing or sitting calmly right in front of you.
  
• Merge with your strength. Step into this confident version of yourself, or imagine drawing their steady energy into your own skin. Breathe in their sense of certainty.
• Feel your spine naturally lengthen as you adopt this posture of trust.
  
• Receive the energy. Notice how this confident version of you breathes, stands, and holds space. Intentionally draw that feeling of certainty and quiet strength into your own body.
  
• Return with confidence. When you are ready, take one final deep breath, absorbing whatever insight arrived. Gently wiggle your fingers and toes, and open your eyes
  
• Give yourself a minute before moving, to feel how self-confidence and self-trust feels in your body now. Shoulders lighter? Breath deeper? A steadier sense of “I’ve got this”?
  
• Carry this feeling with you as you move through your day.

3. Ignite positive energy and your confident glow with Palo Santo 
Palo Santo ("holy wood") is a sacred tree from Peru and Ecuador, part of the same family as frankincense and myrrh. For centuries, South American shamans have used its fragrant smoke to clear negative energy and invite in positivity.
Try this simple ritual before or after your practice:

• Light your Palo Santo stick, then gently blow out the flame to create a fragrant smoke.
  
• Set an intention: ask that any self-doubt, heaviness, or negative energy be cleared away.
  
• Starting at your feet, slowly fan the smoke up your body—front, sides, and back—ending at the crown of your head.
  
• Place the stick in a heat-safe bowl beside your mat.
  
• Bring your hands to your heart centre and take three deep breaths. Notice how you feel.
  
• This ritual creates a clear energetic boundary around your practice space and signals to your nervous system: this is sacred time. You're cleansing what no longer serves you and making space for confidence to rise.

Which of these three feels most inviting to you this week?  Whichever you choose, notice how confidence feels in your body after trying it—notice if anything shifts.

MORE RESOURCES
Ignite Your Inner Fire: 5 Ways to Balance Your Solar Plexus Chakra
Yoga for Courage: Peaceful Warriors and Open Hearts
Confidence: For Greater Trust in Yourself and More Joy on the Journey