How Yoga helped me overcome my fear of dogs

Anyone who knows me well knows about my deep fear of dogs. This stems from being bitten at the age of 7 - so badly that I still wear the scars today. Then at the age of 25, cycling through a rice paddy in Japan, a dog jumped at me. I fell into the paddy and was covered in cuts and blood.

I’m happy to say that this fear is now in the past…thanks to yoga…

My practice of yoga has allowed me to tune inwards and study myself. As I prepare my body to practice, I use my breath to tune into my body and my emotions. This process allows me to recognise how I am feeling or if I am holding onto anything which doesn’t serve me. My breath and my asana practice become a process for letting go of these things that don’t serve me. Over time, this has allowed me to face up to my fears. To slowly build the courage to walk on new paths and enjoy new experiences.

This is how it was with dogs. By letting go of my fears through my yoga practice, I started to sense the soul connection with our canine friends. I slowly started to engage with them and with some friendly advice from another yogi (thank you if you’re reading this), I have been learning how to pet them and respond to their signals when they are on a lead.

It will be a slow process but I can say hand on heart it is one that puts a smile on my face.

Next time you are practicing yoga, use your breath to tune into your emotions and exhale to let go of anything that is holding you back.