It is hard to imaging life without fear. Its raw power can save lives, contribute to unnecessary stress and invade every part of our lives. Taming it is possible however it can be one of the greatest challenges a person can face, especially if they are a Vata Dosha or are comprised naturally of the Emotional Element of air. ( link to doshas) In this article, I would like to explore how you can overcome fear as you move about your day and travel down your path to bliss.
Fear is a primal instinct and is essential for survival. It is highly energetic and even exhilarating. People of all ages get a kick out of being scared while watching a movie or riding on an amusement park ride however fear in nothing to joke about. It can be a highly aroused state that can overtake us in response to a perceived threat causing us to either fight, flight, freeze or faint. It can lead to high states of anxiety and ultimately panic attacks. Fear can be a very unpleasant feeling.
As with all emotions, the practice of meditation can stablilize us enough in the midst of fear to help us see more clearly to distinguish a false threat from a real threat that needs to be acted upon. The type of fears meditation can help extinguish are the fears that we continually generate in our own minds which are usually the product of our own imagination and desire to control everything.
As our fear rises, we can start spinning in our heads to reinforce the size and shape of the threat. The good news is that this really is a natural process. It is when we are out of balance that the spinning wheel of fear can spin out of control. The very intense energy of fear,can become a powerful driving force in helping us to achieve our goals. It is just a matter of how we process this energy. Being able to recognize that fear is present can be hugely important in not allowing it to control you. If you struggle with fear, here is an exercise that can help you to not allow fear to paralyze you.
Name the Fear
- Confronted with a fearful situation, notice your heart and how it is pumping more, how your chest is tightening, how your back is stiffening and let an imaginary alarm bell go off in your head.
- Take 3 or 10 or 20 slow, long deep breaths to slow your body down. Place your hand on your heart as you take the deep breaths so that you can feel when your body begins to slow down.
- Acknowledge to yourself, I’m scared, I’m afraid ~ this is the actual act of naming the fear, so you automatically create a bit of distance between yourself and the intensity of the emotional reaction.
- Say a few phrases of well –wishing toward yourself and others. This may includes phrases such as: May (I/others) see the source of our fear. May (I/others) be safe and free from fear. May (I/others) be happy and at ease.
Be kind toward yourself for being afraid. It is a natural emotion that we all have. The key is to learn how to use the energy of this emotion to propel you forward instead of keeping you feeling trapped and smothered. Learning how to bring more bliss into your life can further assist you with taming fear. (www.awakeningbliss.com)
I welcome your comments below.
Wishing you much health and wellness!
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS
The Queen of Feeing Fabulous
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