Don’t Be Afraid

“Don’t be afraid,” were my dad’s last words to me. I was sitting at his hospice bedside and after a peaceful nap he opened his eyes and looked right at me as he spoke.
I cringed. My heart was breaking. He was dying and he didn’t want me to be afraid. And then it dawned on me … he didn’t mean that at all. He was telling me not to be afraid — to live.
As I launch this site with online yoga classes and astrology readings — I feel some trepidation. But I am pushing past it. I took a hike today and came to a point on the trail where I could have taken a shorter, more relaxed walk and headed back to my car OR I could take a much more strenuous route on The Red Trail. Climbing up and over glacial boulders is the only way to complete this trek and at the top, the view is stunning. I used to be fearful of doing that trail on my own – but in the last month, while I worked on this site, I’ve done it three times.
The pile up of planets in Capricorn is pushing all of us into new territory. The last time Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter were in Capricorn together was in 1285! 2020 is a year of profound shifts as we release old paradigms and make room for a new age. The planet Pluto rules death and just as importantly — rebirth. We are evolving and it is a time to say YES to new directions, new opportunities. Dr. Joe Dispenza tells us, “The people who stop and change fear into an elevated emotion, despite anxiety and the body’s resistance, will tell you they too were afraid about stepping into the unknown, but their passion for their vision was greater than their fear. They will also tell you the effort was worth the reward of what they found on the other side—liberation, freedom, wholeness, and more self-love.”
If you need to push past fears, backbends are for you. You can do a simple “Kidney” Camel pose while standing (or hiking!). Simply put your hands on your low back – on either side of the sacrum (the heels of your hands will rest near your kidneys). And then draw your elbows closer. Lift your heart a little or a lot and then your chin. You’re in a backbend! Dropping back into the unknown and trusting life.
You can also do the full yoga pose called Camel Pose or Ustrasana. Begin by kneeling on the floor with your knees hip distance apart. Curl your toes under to help with balance. Bring hands together in prayer in front of your heart. Begin your backbend by lifting your heart an inch. Then, lift your chin an inch. Move along – inch by inch – until you are in the back bend that feels best for you. Your pelvis doesn’t move much – it stays neutral and over your knees. Inhale to fill the lungs and puff out your chest. If you are able – reach back with both hands and grab your ankles to move into the full pose. Hold as long as feels nourishing. To come out of any version of Camel pose, bring your spine back to vertical and sit back onto your heels (if available). When you are ready, drop forward into child’s pose.
Backbends are uplifting, energizing and stimulating. They will help you say “Yes!” to life.
Don’t be afraid.

6 Comments
Julianne
I look forward to hiking The Red Trail with you!!! I am not afraid. ♥️
mary duford
Hello Twink, i am thinking of allowing you to teach me about my signs, that i live under. I am always seeking direction for living my life. ….. and i feel I have somehow … done it pretty well. i believe in the power of attraction; and my thoughts have served me well…..but alas….
i have no idea how these powers work… but i believe; and dam… that gets me thru each day.
i have deeply enjoyed and embraced your yoga classes…. both years ago ” in person”….. and now virtual.
regards, mary
Mary E Fellows
Wow- your writings always find we at the right time…. Thank you
Twink McKenney
You’re welcome! And thank you for all you do to support my astro work!!!
Susan Greene
This brought me to tears. Thank you, Twink<3
Twink McKenney
You are so sweet Susan. Great to hear from you. I am working to honor my third house moon – and writing a bit! Neptune is sitting right on it – a once in a lifetime opportunity. All the best to you in this new year – do you have something special planned for the solstice?