Leap and the Net Will Appear: Chasing Dreams On and Off the Mat
Have you ever faced a pose (or a life decision) that felt impossible until you just went for it?
There comes a moment when you must step into the unknown whether you’re terrified of face-planting in Crow Pose, or hesitating to start that dream project. It can be scary, but fear isn’t a stop sign. It’s a sign that you’re on the brink of something meaningful.
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Leap and the net will appear.” It’s a mantra for anyone standing at the edge of uncertainty, debating whether to jump. But the thing about nets is, they don’t just show up on their own. They appear only after we’ve taken the leap and trusted ourselves to figure it out along the way.
For me, that moment came when I was dreaming of quitting my corporate job to become a full-time yoga teacher. I was terrified because taking the leap isn’t about cautiously dipping your toes in the waters. It’s about running full force and cannonballing into a sea of the unknown—with the net nowhere in sight.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Why is the unknown so scary? Because it’s the exact opposite of our familiar and safe comfort zone. However, staying in that cozy bubble comes at a cost: no risk, no growth!
Think about it. What if the greatest explorers in history never set sail because they were afraid of the unknown? Or if the innovators we admire waited until the perfect moment to begin (which may never have come)? Fear is natural, it can ride along and give us suggestions, but we don’t get to hand over the keys and let it drive, making decisions for us.
Trust your gut, your strength, and lean into the challenge!
Following your Dreams is Not Selfish
It’s easy to think pursuing your dreams is indulgent or irresponsible. Maybe you’re worried about what others might think, or you’re stuck trying to keep everyone else happy. But here’s the reality: when you live authentically, you inspire others to do the same.
You can’t pour from an empty cup or teach from a mat you’re afraid to step off of. By showing up for yourself, you give others permission to chase their own dreams too.
In yoga, as in life, trying something bold isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about inspiring others. In our Yogi Flight School community, where you can learn arm balances and inversions, I see testimonials of this magic every day: when one ninja goes for a tricky pose or transition, it sparks something in the rest of us: “If they can, maybe I can too.”
The Perfect Time is Now
Here’s a common trap: waiting to feel ready. “I’ll go for it when I’m less afraid and feel more confident.” Waiting for the perfect conditions is like waiting for gravity to disappear before trying inversions. Spoiler: it’s not going to happen. At some point, you have to plant your hands, kick up, and trust that your body (or the wall!) will catch you.
Don’t let building a safety net become an excuse to never jump. Perfectionism is a delay tactic, and fear loves to dress up as “planning.” There will never be a “perfect” time to start.
Even if you fail, you’ll gain valuable lessons that will help you succeed in the future. Isn’t learning and growing better than standing still, haunted by “What if?”
Dare to Leap Without Regret
When you look back on your life, do you want to remember all the ways you stayed safe? Or all the moments you dared to go for it?
What are your dreams on and off the mat? Do you have someone that inspires you to take the leap? If you’re looking for a community that believes in you even when you doubt yourself, join us at Yogi Flight School. Together, we take the leaps, fall a few times, and soar higher than we ever thought possible.
