Two years ago I went with my family to an awakening ceremony that ended with the whole group walking on fire—literally. For the first hour we sat in a crowded school room and listened to different spiritual guides and speakers explain why we each possessed the power to walk on the hot red coals that waited just outside the doors. One woman asked us to think of the one word that we wanted to spend the next year focusing on. It took me a minute to figure it out, but I eventually came up with my word: fearless.
Long story short, I walked across the scalding coals—many times, actually. Each time I felt more empowered, centered, and, ultimately, completely fearless. I think back to this experience as I face new challenges and fears. I’m constantly reminding myself to be fearless. One word, eight letters, two syllables, and a world of meaning.
It takes tenacity to be truly fearless. Society is constantly testing our strength. We are faced every single day with new obstacles to overcome, and, let’s be honest, there are a lot of haters out there. It’s daunting to hold your ground and stand up for who you are and what you believe in. But have no fear, we eventually learn to let ourselves effortlessly flow through life. Fearlessly. With Love. And Gratitude.
It takes tenacity to be truly fearless. Society is constantly testing our strength.
My advice to each of you: Believe in yourself, feel the confidence that exists deep inside each of us, tap into the version of yourself that is waiting to burst with passion, courage, and determination. Think positive. Remember that fear is an illusion—it’s something that we create in our own minds. It does nothing but slow you down, so take a deep breath and go take on the world.
Photo by Ali Kaukas for Wanderlust Festival.
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Zuzu Perkal is an independent artist, photographer, yoga instructor, and adventure enthusiast in Austin, Texas. Her days are filled with coffee, paint, and daydreams. She believes mistakes are simply a beautiful opportunity for growth and that our own life experiences serves as our most valuable teachers. Zuzu recently graduated from Wanderlust’s first Teacher Training Program and is on a mission to continually expand her consciousness while following her journey down the yogic path. She is currently experimenting with the concept of a floating yoga studio and mixed medium practice.