During class, I was attempting forearm stand but for whatever reason, I couldn’t pull my mat as close to the wall as I normally do. I gently kicked my legs up and because I was further away from the wall, which would normally scare the crap out of me, I was able to use my own strength to stabilize myself and stay up. I thought the only way I could do it was with a wall behind me but in reality, the wall was an unnecessary crutch and my legs would hit the wall before I could fully explore my own strength and balance in the posture. Lightbulbs went off and I’ve been practicing my handstands now further away from the wall with similar success!
Shortly after this revelation, I came across the quote above posted on the community wall during my yoga for trade shift. It eloquently summarized what I had been going through with these particular postures, as well as other situations off my mat. So shine on – we all have the most amazing and best version of ourselves within us just waiting to break through. See what you’re capable of doing when you let go of the limitations, fears, doubts, and crutches.
Here is the full variation of the Marianne Williamson quote:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does no serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Broke-Ass Yogi 
Love Marianne. Rocked my yoga class today. Getting better every week! If you’re ever in LA, Marianne speaks at the Saban Theater every Monday night.
Thanks for the tip! Will definitely keep that in mind the next time I’m there. Awesome about your yoga! Thanks for reading!
This is so true. I realized this the first time I tried to do inverted dolphin and scorpion. I was so nervous and then I decided to just go for it and I was so surprised at how naturally it came.
That’s awesome!! I still hesitate a bit and still not comfortable attempting either pose in the middle of the room. Taking baby steps there.
Hi there I was looking for images for my blog and found this picture with quote, I love how you describe coming away from the wall and realizing it as a crutch, I can totally relate to the first time I pulled up into forearm without that wall. I still fall over sometimes but to play with the balance and feel what your body can do? Amazing.