The 4 Types of Fear and How to Breathe Through Them?

is an internationally recognized yoga teacher, celebrity holistic health coach, author, speaker, and vegan activist whose core mission is to promote daily self-care, oneness, and eco-friendly living. She is the founder of , an international lifestyle community and Yoga School that inspires mental, spiritual, and physical health through an app, online courses, retreats, in-person yoga teacher training events and the Get Loved Up Podcast. Koya is the author of

It was an honor to get some expert tips from Koya on dealing with fear, the yoga way. Learn about the different kinds of fear and how to make the most of them and ultimately overcome and allow them to launch you into living your best, most fierce self!

JB:   How do you define fear?

Koya:   We have all experienced and danced with fear. We’ve all had moments when fear paralyzes us, leaving us disconnected from our hearts, our truths, our confidence, and more. Fear is normal and when properly mastered can be a great inspiration. However, what isn’t normal is allowing the fear to keep you playing small or preventing you from moving in the direction of your dreams. For me, a potentially career-ending track injury – which ultimately led me to yoga – ignited my fears. For you, it may be a job loss, divorce, death of a loved one, or any type of setback that leaves you anxiously wondering, What now?

JB: What are some of the most common types of fear and the best way to face them?
Koya: I have discovered that most fears boil down to one of the following four types. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

1) Fear of Failure
The most common fear is a fear of failure. Sometimes, one can be so afraid of failing that she never even takes the first step toward her desires. The fear of failure expresses through fear of rejection, fear of not being enough, fear of being embarrassed, and the list goes on. However, the one thing the fear of failure is successful in is keeping you stuck, stagnant, and in an illusion of safety. To move through the fear of failure, pause and simply breathe. In the stillness, ask yourself “What am I truly afraid of here? ” Allow the answers to surface and write in your journal. Relax and instead of focusing on the worst thing that can happen, reframe the question, “What is my best-case scenario in this situation? ” Write down what you hear and move from that space of empowerment. Your dreams and who you are is worth more than the false idea of security that you believe you have by staying on the sidelines. Trust your dream, take the first step and know you are worth it.

2) Fear of Judgment
“But what if they don’t like me? ” “What will they think? ” Does this sound familiar? Fear of judgment keeps many on the sidelines preventing them from fully playing the game of life. Whereas the fear of failure prevents you from moving at all, fear of judgment keeps you focused on what others think about what you are doing. The thing to remember is that as long as you are true to your heart’s desires and in alignment with what feels good in your soul, then other people’s thoughts and opinions don’t matter. To move through the fear of judgment, pause and breathe. In your journal or aloud, ask yourself, “Does focusing on what others think of me harm or support me and my vision? ” Write down what you feel and as you do, honestly assess whether what others think truly matters. Remember, you are the captain of your fate and the master of your soul.

3) Fear of Change
The one constant in life is change and yet it is also the thing we attempt to control and we quietly fear. Everything changes. Everything. See change as an opportunity to take inventory of your life, honestly assess how it is working and release the rest. To move through the fear of change, pause and breathe. Take a few moments to reflect on your life and bring to mind any previous times where something shifted in your life. Now come back to the present moment and remind yourself, “I’m still here. ” You made it through whatever changed and shifted before in your life and you will surely do so now. Remember, change is a door to new beginnings – don’t allow the temporary discomfort and adjustment to prevent you from experiencing and receiving bigger blessings.

4) Fear of Being the First
Going it alone scares most people. But sometimes, the place where you need to go is empty. No one is there yet. It’s waiting for you to show up. You have to be the leader. You have to be the first. Too often, we rely on people who have gone before us to show us the way. Instead, be the one to break the mold. Find your way. Be out front and set the precedent for those who are coming behind you. Be bold. Be fierce.
Remember, when you feel fear, allow yourself to breathe into it. Fear comes not to keep you stuck but as a nudge from your soul to take the leap, to do what hasn’t been done, to trust your wings, and to believe in yourself. When fear comes, breathe into it and allow it to be your biggest inspiration and motivation to do what feels impossible to do in the moment. I believe in you. Be fierce.