It’s not a coincidence that women often feel like a fraud in their careers. This is often re-enforced if we have also been subject to racism/ homophobia/other forms of discrimination.

 We often experience:

•  A life time of hearing they are less
•  A likelihood they have experienced assault/ abuse
•  Being told they should look/ speak/ act differently + on + on….

Here are some ways that really support us to shift from fear, stuck, frozen to taking steps towards confidence:

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1. We need to acknowledge and EXTERNALISE those feelings of shame + fear. Name the times you have been undermined. Be angry, give yourself some love- whatever it takes to realise your voice matters, you are powerful even in your vulnerability. 

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2. Take ANY step to invest in yourself. I meet so many teachers who feel stuck & don’t know the next step to take. Often aren’t earning enough but instead of finding a way forward, we often blame ourselves & stay stuck. AN step will get you mobilised- get your nervous system shifting. 

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3. Recognise its a SYSTEMIC problem. It’s not YOU. Only 2.5% of investment last year went to female led businesses. Can you believe that?! It’s the 21st century and we are still seeing men get all the investment. No wonder women are lagging in terms of financial security or freedom.

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4. Consider someone who DOES value you- a student who feels better after class and see the value you DO bring.

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5. Change one thought at a time- this is a classic yoga practice (pratipaksha bhavana).  Recognition of Negative Thoughts and Emotions: The first step in Pratipaksha Bhavana is to become aware of negative thoughts and emotions. Whether it's anger, jealousy, fear, or any other negative feeling, the practice begins by recognizing and acknowledging them. Once we recognise we can switch a negative thought for one that nurtures- over time this shifts our thinking & experience. 

   Pratipaksha Bhavana is a concept from yogic philosophy outlined in the Yoga Sutras that involves cultivating a counteractive or opposite thought or attitude to mitigate negative emotions, thoughts, or behaviours. From Sanskrit, pratipaksha means “opposite” and bhavana means “cultivation.” According to the Sutras, negative thoughts are described as anything against the yamas or niyamas. Yogis can practice pratipaksha bhavana in order to actively change intrusive or destructive thoughts. It is a practice designed to promote mental balance, emotional resilience, and equanimity. Here's how Pratipaksha Bhavana works and how it fosters equanimity:

   1. Cultivation of the Opposite Thought: After recognizing the negative emotion or thought, the next step is to intentionally cultivate a positive and opposing thought or attitude. This means consciously choosing a thought or feeling that counteracts the negativity. For example, if you're feeling anger, you can consciously generate thoughts of compassion or forgiveness.

   2. Balancing the Mind: By consistently practicing Pratipaksha Bhavana, individuals gradually create a balance in their minds. This balance arises from the deliberate shift from negative to positive, from destructive to constructive thinking. Over time, this practice helps individuals to stay emotionally balanced, even in the face of challenging situations.

   3. Reduced Reactivity: Pratipaksha Bhavana enables individuals to respond to situations with greater equanimity. Instead of reacting impulsively to negative emotions, people who practice this technique can pause, reflect, and choose a more measured response. This reduces emotional volatility and helps maintain a sense of calm and composure.

   4. Cultivation of Equanimity: Equanimity is a state of mental and emotional stability, especially in the face of adversity or intense emotions. Pratipaksha Bhavana contributes to equanimity by allowing individuals to detach themselves from their immediate, automatic reactions. It encourages a more balanced and less emotionally charged perspective on life's challenges.

   This same practice has been adopted into cognitive behavioural therapy, as a way to overcome negative thoughts.

6. Loving kindness meditation- here's the link to this practice is my YouTube. It made such a difference to my life and I have amended it to be more trauma sensitive which makes it much more manageable. Please remember to subscribe while you're there & comment. thanks. 

I am SO passionate about having teachers really thrive in their work & lives. I share more on my personal story and how I overcome early traumas & shame to gradually build confidence & a career in my online Platform the Yoga Hub- there is a vlog area. Free for 5 days if you just need a chance to hear how it is possible. And how you can do it too. 💜

Are you with me? Let’s do this! Sending big love.