Get comfortable with your emotions

So much of our life's work happens when working collaboratively with others. Even when our own passion projects come to life (a novel, art, yoga classes), it is after countless conversations and work with groups. Speaking your honest opinion isn't always easy, especially during collaborative projects. It feels risky. If it weren't, we would feel vulnerable about about, right?

One of the most helpful things we can do is to process the (seemingly) weighty emotions that come along with the risk. Take it upon yourself to dismantle the barriers within your control.

Accept the awkward

I swear, sometimes I feel like I only multiply the awkwardness that I feel. When presenting in an all-eyes-on-you group, I find myself awkward as heck, and maybe rambling. Filling the space. Or adding more thoughts in than I intended. Trying to pour words into the silence. Making it worth the time they took to listen. Maybe?

Like any other emotion, there is information we can distill from feeling awkwardness. When you have a moment to step back and observe, find out what the emotion is telling you. Is it your sincere passion that is tripping up your words? Is it the audience that you're worried about impressing?

Process the awkwardness, sift through it, and above all, keep breathing. Hold space for the root cause. Feel gratitude for what it tells you. Let it be what it is and move on.

Be detached from the results

In yoga, we talk about getting out of our own way when exploring a pose or just being present on our mats. The act of getting out of your own way usually has to do with your noggin more than the physical actions you're taking.

Exercising a healthy amount of detachment from results can save you the stories you tell yourself. Whether it's positive or negative self-talk, it's the story itself that's getting in your way. Let the experience of sharing and collaborating be just that. There's always something to learn.

In my experience, acting from a place of sincere vulnerability has always taken me to the next great thing. It'll keep you engaged in the present moment.