How to Show Up
especially when the stakes feel high
I’m writing this from a trip to Europe that I planned several months ago. It’s a much needed balance to a few weeks of whirlwind travel, work, and events. Recently I taught a class at Medialink Beach at Cannes Lions, and two days later, kicked off the Times Square Solstice in the Square event with a class for thousands of yogis on the longest day of the year.
I’ve been blessed to teach and speak at several other large events, but I’ve learned that no matter how seasoned or confident you feel, a big event is bound to stir something deep. Excitement, yes. But also vulnerability, that raw exposure of putting your heart on display. That familiar flutter of what if I forget what to say? mixed with the profound weight of what if nobody likes my class? I’ve decided these feelings aren’t bad. They’re a consequence of caring, and I care deeply about showing up authentically for people who choose to spend their precious time with me.
While I may never be completely free of pre-event nerves, I’ve developed a few strategies to meet these moments with an open heart and steady presence. Whether you’re preparing to step on stage, walk into a big meeting, or hit publish on something that feels like a piece of you, these are the practices that have become my lifeline:
Plan for Every Scenario
The more I prepare, the calmer I feel. It’s not about control, it’s about confidence. A big event is not the right moment to wear something tricky and new, and the night before is not the right time to try a new supplement. Beyond the practical, I always try to think through the “what ifs.” What if the mic cuts out? What if it rains? What if the crowd feels low energy? Having a mental (or written!) list of solutions helps me feel like no matter what curveball gets thrown, I’ve got it handled. There’s something deeply soothing about knowing you’ve thought it through.
Rehearse & Visualize
In the days leading up to Times Square, I mentally rehearsed the flow. Thankfully, this was my second time leading a class for this event, so I was able to very clearly imagine myself on stage, walking around, and speaking with heart. Visualization isn’t wellness theater. It works because your brain almost begins to believe that the moment has happened, creating neural pathways that make the real thing feel familiar instead of foreign.
Accept Support (and let yourself be loved)
This one is everything, and yet so many of us resist it because (I’ll speak for myself) we don’t want to inconvience others. I’m endlessly grateful to my Peloton team: four amazing instructors took over other stages and one was right beside me. I spotted familiar, friendly faces in the crowd. (THANK YOU to Adrian, Anna, Ash, Mariana and Nico on stage, and Harrison, Benny, and Taara on mats.) Our team pow wow before class made me feel truly held in a way that brought tears to my eyes. If people offer help, please don’t be afraid take it. If you need support, have the courage to ask for it. Big moments aren’t meant to be solo acts - they’re meant to be shared, witnessed, and celebrated together. Let the people who love you show up for you.
Name your Fears
Before the event, I made a list of everything I was afraid might go wrong. Then I asked myself an important question: What if I didn’t believe these fears or limiting thoughts? The things we avoid naming and facing will always have power over us. And sometimes it takes more energy to ignore, deny, and push feelings away instead of just process them. Sometimes just seeing the fear on paper - in black and white, outside of the swirling anxiety of your mind - takes away its power. And often, the story we’re telling ourselves isn’t the truth. It’s just a thought, and thoughts can be examined, questioned, released.
Look for the Good
Write down your excitement and gratitude. Feel it fully.
Even amidst all the prep and planning, I carved out a moment to reflect. I wrote down everything I was grateful for: the opportunity itself, the people who believed in me before I believed in myself, the years of small steps and stumbles and breakthroughs that led to this moment. Big things don’t happen overnight. They’re built on a foundation of countless smaller moments, failed attempts, midnight doubts, and morning hopes. You deserve to let yourself feel deeply proud of that beautiful, messy journey. Celebrate your wins
Create a Pre-event Ritual
Whether it’s five minutes of breathing, listening to a specific song, or a quick text to someone supportive, having something that signals to your nervous system “we’ve got this” can be transformative. My ritual is simple: I find a quiet space, close my eyes, and remind myself why I’m there. Not for perfection, but for connection. Not to impress, but to serve.
Prepping for something big doesn’t mean eliminating all nerves, it means learning how to hold them with grace. The goal isn’t to feel nothing; it’s to feel everything and show up anyway. I’m walking away from Times Square reminded that when you trust your preparation, lean on your people, and stay grounded in purpose, something magical becomes possible. Not because you’ve transcended all the feels, but because you’ve learned to dance with them.
I wish I could have gone to your event at Times Square! It looked fabulous!