Waking the Inner Warrior

Running out of time at my recent Yoga for Strength and Resilience workshop was serendipitous – because the concept I wanted to share about harnessing the inner warrior deserves a broader audience.

Think of your inner warrior not as an abstract mythological figure, but as a flame already burning within you.

This warrior spirit appears in many forms in the Hindu tradition: Arjuna standing resolute on the battlefield of life in the Bhagavad Gita; the fierce Virabhadra, whose power we embody in our warrior poses; and perhaps most compelling, the goddess Durga, summoned in the universe's darkest hour to face what seemed undefeatable.

The righteous warrior archetype transcends gender, though, offering rich symbolism we can draw on in daily life. It represents the triumph of light over darkness, embodying bravery, courage, fearlessness, ferocity, fortitude, honor, and nobility. These qualities can become practical tools - weapons if you will - for facing challenges, building resilience through adversity, and dismantling inner obstacles to our personal growth.

At its core, the inner warrior connects you with iccha shakti – your pure power of will. This is the fire in the belly, the innate force that no one can take away once you claim it as your own.

Like a flower piercing through concrete, it’s the unstoppable, life-affirming creative power that expresses itself in acts of heroism and in the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

When you rise into Warrior III, hovering parallel to the earth, you're not just doing a pose – you're enacting an ancient story of courage. Your body trembles, doubt and fatigue whisper 'come down,' fear of falling tugs at your resolve. This is where your inner warrior awakens.

Each steady breath becomes an act of perseverance in the face of adversity. Each moment of staying aloft, despite the wobbles, strengthens not just your body, but your capacity to face life's uncertainties with grace. The trembling becomes not weakness, but evidence of your willingness to meet your edge.

Notice how these warrior qualities emerge naturally in your practice. Watch for the many opportunities to summon your courage and fearlessness, unleashing the wellspring of strength and resilience within.

This strength has always been yours. The practice simply helps you remember it's there. As you step onto your mat, you're not learning to be a warrior – you're awakening to the warrior you've always been.