How can the elements help you overcome your fears and allow your inner leader to shine?
You have had the vision, set your intention, put in the hard work to make it happen, and it’s finally time to share it with the world. Oh the excitement!
Your stage is waiting and your audience is ready.
Suddenly, you are overcome with nerves. Stage fright creeps in, followed quickly with self doubt. You begin to sweat, your breathing becomes shallow and quickened…the list can go on and on.
What can you do own your truth, rock your power & allow your inner leader to shine?
There are the normal and known go-to’s: prepare, practice & personal prep, you know-shower, dress appropriately, do your hair, etc., And these are very important and a must for successful presenting because at the very least, you will know your content inside and out, you know you look your best, you’ve practiced so glitches and tweaking are complete, but what about those stage fright symptoms?
Whether you are presenting in person or virtually in front of an audience, you can tap into the power of the elements to help ground & support you so that your inner leader shines!
What elements, do you ask?
The very same elements that priestesses and shamans work in harmony with everyday are available to each and every human on this planet: Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit!
Right here & now, I am going to share some basic, quick and simple steps to help access and utilize these natural energies you have at your disposal anytime, anywhere.
- Earth ~ Very grounding, nurturing & peaceful. You can tap into this earth energy with your breath. Close your eyes, breathe in slowly through your nose and into your belly and pelvic area-not your lungs and exhale through your mouth. As you do this 3 or more times, envision that the peaceful, nurturing & grounding earth energy is entering through the sole of your left foot and running its calming current through your body and completing. the current by exiting through the sole of your right foot.
- Air ~ Think breath of life, thoughts, flying. Utilize the above exercise to not only be more. centered and grounded your body, but also to clear your. mind. The first breath or two help you to ground and center, with the next few breathes swipe away your thoughts as they enter your mind like you close apps on your phone or tablet until you have before you a welcome nature image with a warming and inviting fire before you.
- Fire ~ Fire is transformational, alchemical, transfiguring one thing into another. Utilize the visualization of the fire to transfigure your fears & doubts into a powerful mantra or affirmation so that it feeds your passion, purpose and intention.
- Water ~ Water is purifying, replenishing & soothing. It is also a very good idea to be well hydrated before stepping in front of your audience-dry vocal chords means cracking voice. As you take a few sips of water envision it replenishing & nourishing your insides as it moves. through. mouth, esophagus, into your tummy and so on.
- Spirit ~ Smile! Forced or not, at this point you have brought all the elements together for your highest and greatest good as well as the highest and greatest good of your audience. Your Spirit is happy! Now is a great time to at least whisper aloud the mantra/affirmation gifted to you from your sacred fire and in this moment, envision yourself moving through your presentation feeling invigorated, confident and in control. Now, you cannot help but notice you are already smiling having. brought. your inner leader to the forefront and ready for action!
Your stage is ready. Your audience awaits.
With the sacred power of your intention and the elements, you have successfully cultivated your shining inner leader, taken ownership over your personal power and energy field. Now it’s time to rock the audience!
You’ve got this!
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Barb Parcells
I love this! We are all part of all the elements around us but we tend to forget that fact. Reconnecting with them brings us back into balance.
Crystal Cockerham
I very much agree Barb! Thank you for that.
Ana S.P. Coffey
Beautiful breath ritual. I have been relying on the power of my breathing and my focus so much more this year than ever before. It is a miraculous practice. This is a great framework for sharing it! thanks!
Crystal Cockerham
You are so welcome Ana. I am glad it resonates with you! Breath work and visualization are very powerful tools indeed!
Zeenat Merchant Syal
Love the ritual and this post!
Crystal Cockerham
Thank you so much for that Zeenat! I am glad it resonates with you.
CK Kochis
Beautiful! Your insights are inspiring! Yes. B-R-E-A-T-H-E and C-O-N-N-E-C-T to the elements. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Crystal.
Crystal Cockerham
Thank you Cindy! Sometimes the simplest things make the largest impact.
Kathleen
I love it! I particularly like the grounding exercise! So many of my clients get nervous and they lose their connection to Earth. I can’t wait to share your article with them!
Crystal Cockerham
Yay! I am glad you like it, Kathleen! The elements are so wonderful to work with. When a client shares with me they have anxiety, anxiousness &/or panic attacks, the first thing I do is show them the earth breath. Very often the way they breathe (If they breathe shallow, just in their longs) can make them feel anxious.