Tame Your Inner Critic: Channel Durga’s Fierce Power to Speak Up, Show Up, and Lead with Confidence

soulfullygypsy
Jul 17
2 min read

You’re not alone if you’ve ever second-guessed yourself before speaking in a meeting or shrunk back from an opportunity you knew you deserved.

Many high-performing professionals—especially women—struggle with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or feeling like they must “earn their worth” again and again.

What if confidence wasn’t about becoming someone else……but about awakening the fearless, fierce version of yourself that’s already within you?

At Durga Yoga, we don’t just practice movement—we awaken Shakti. And in times of fear, it’s Durga, the warrior goddess, who leads the way.

Who is Durga?

Durga is the fierce feminine force in Indian mythology who slayed the buffalo demon Mahishasura—a symbol of ego, doubt, and destructive patterns.

She rides a lion. She holds weapons in every arm. She destroys illusions—especially the ones we hold about ourselves.

Durga is not passive.She is fierce with love, powerful with grace, and relentless in protecting your light.

Signs Your Inner Critic Is Running the Show:

You replay conversations and criticize yourself afterward
You hesitate to speak your truth, fearing others might judge
You feel “not ready enough,” “not good enough,” or “not smart enough”
You overprepare, over-apologize, and still feel under-confident

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to let Durga lead your nervous system—and your narrative.

Durga-Inspired Practices to Reclaim Your Confidence:

1. The Lion Breath (Simhasana)

Release fear and self-censorship.

How:Sit on your knees, inhale deeply through your nose. Exhale forcefully through your mouth while sticking your tongue out and roaring like a lion. Repeat 3 times.

Benefits: Activates the throat chakra, clears repressed emotion, and ignites courage.

2. Durga Warrior Sequence (Mini Flow)

Use movement to embody courage and rootedness.

Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): Step into self-belief
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Ground in your truth
Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana): Channel Durga’s power

Hold each for 3–5 breaths with intentional mantra: “I am power. I am peace.”

3. Durga Mudra + Mantra

When overwhelmed at work, pause and connect.

Mudra: Bring palms together, fingers interlocked except index fingers pointing upward (symbol of focus and determination).

Chant: “Om Dum Durgayei Namaha” Repeat silently or aloud 9 times.

Your confidence doesn't have to be loud.It just has to be anchored. In who you are. In what you know. In what you’re here to offer.

Let Durga walk with you into every room.Let her remind you: You are not small. You are not alone. You are not replaceable.

Free Gift: “Durga Desk Confidence Kit” – Your Downloadable Cheat Sheet

To make it easier to integrate these practices into your day, I’ve created a beautiful printable PDF you can keep at your desk or workspace.

It includes:

Durga Warrior Flow diagram
Power mantras for quick resets
1-minute lion breath instructions
Confidence checklist for your workday

Download your free Durga Confidence Cheat Sheet here.

And if you're craving deeper support through yoga, breathwork, or 1:1 guidance, you’re welcome to explore my offerings or simply reach out to chat. I’d love to hear from you.

With strength & softness 🌸

Meenakshi

Durga Yoga

+4917621408468