“I am in a constant state of fear. Can you help me?”

This was a powerful request. I immediately wanted to hug her for having the courage to voice what so many of us are unable to. Many people live in fear, consciously or unconsciously. And so many of us want to ask for help but are too scared, too proud, or don’t know where to start. Symptoms of fear can manifest physically and emotionally. For my client, it was both.

She was an avid yogi and strong in her faith. It all began when her son received an earth-shattering medical diagnosis. Her world as she knew it was turned upside down. As a result, anxiety and vertigo manifested — her world was literally spinning. Everyday tasks, like cooking and laundry, would send her in to a dizzy spell for an hour at a time. Being unable to live a normal life caused more anxiety, which caused more dizziness, which caused more anxiety.

Physical therapy appointments alleviated the symptoms, but only temporarily. She didn’t want temporary. She wanted tools to manage — and eventually eliminate — her vertigo and anxiety. She wanted to find inner calm and confidence for herself so she could extend it to her family.

Together, we built a yoga practice to create that outcome. For 30 minutes a day, she committed to practicing gentle movement, breath work, and meditation — a combination uniquely designed for her and by her, with guidance. Through consistent effort, practice, and belief, she essentially eliminated her vertigo.

Today, we continue to adapt her yoga practice to help her find inner peace and build confidence so she has the strength to face anything life presents. She is a warrior; she recognizes she can’t control her outer world, but she can influence her inner landscape. And as she evolves internally, her outer world is beginning to shift.