It helps to be reminded of what practical actions can help to face the fear and trust that one can overcome it and move through it and learn from it so as to move forward in a constructive way towards finding joy ie being more authentically me.
I have a playlist I call “strong,” and listening to it makes me feel stronger and more able to face the things I’m afraid of. Journalling always help me to see my fears and talk myself through them. Making sure I’m nourished is really important too. Fear always seems worse when I’m hungry or eating too much junk food.
Breathing. Tuning into my body. Feeling where fear might be localized in my body. Trying to quiet thoughts that that might fuel the fear and/or take me to a place of of self judgement or aversion. Once i can regulate and quiet the emotional/mind /body part of fear, i can meet it and myself with more acceptance and compassion.
Carolina Perez Sanz, Coach, Miami Beach, FL, USAsays
I used to do as though the fear weren’t there. But then it “bit me in the a**” every time: I ended up dropping the ball and bombing important work or speaking engagements.
Now I get present with my emotions and acknowledge them. From now on, I’ll ask more what does it need from me?
Hi thank you I am at home w a knee injury and have the very rear opportunity to sit and just be whichever never happens unless I make a plan to set a side some time for me which is not offen listening to this I here you take about taking to part of one self which I do not as often as I would like but I do. And it works for me i think when i go back to work things w have to change like taking time for myself not getting to involved w my work and the people i looked after but in reality it has already changed. I am taking the opportunity to deal w stuff that has been pushed to the side because of lack of time but in reality I have not wanted to deal w it ,them because they are very painful. But I know I am strong how do I know that because I’m still here I love my life and my family and friends w all of my big heart . Thank you
It helps me face fear knowing that fear will not eat me. It can alert me, make me nervous, give me a lot of problems (including physical problems) but it’s not there to kill me.
Presence — Pausing to allow time to see I am capable of great harm with my emotions/reactivity, knowing harming others is against everything my heart feels, and knowing my true nature is loving kindness.
Feeling my Breathing calms my anxiety. Talking to myself about my fear and acknowledging it is there usually makes it less scary. I just need to remember to do this more so that my fears don’t make so anxious
Brenda Niedert, Psychotherapy, Portland, OR, USAsays
Acceptance of, befriending, and nurturing the part of me that feels afraid helps me to just be with myself in a way that allows the fear to not take such a deep hold over myself and my reactions. Practicing this daily whenever fear arises. Thank you, Tara, for all your wisdom and teachings.
What has helped me face fear, and in fact, has abruptly dissolved it and brought me into the present, is my connection with a trusted friend who knows me, likes me, is not afraid of me, and it’s reciprocal. I did not adequately bond with my mother so have been dysregulated and in freeze response ever since. Potentially, touch can have a measurable affect as well.
Doing a RAIN meditation when, in the moments I notice I’m afraid, can really help me to recognise my fear for what it is and then see it from a new perspective.
I tend to worry about events that haven’t happened yet, and might not ever happen. My therapist taught me to notice when I was doing that, and to ask myself, “What is true right now? And, what else is true?” Focusing on the present truth helps create a calm that I didn’t used to have.
Alison Byrnes, Another Field, Alpharetta, ME, USAsays
being open with my chronic worry/fear. Sharing my concerns with those I love and who love me. Some days I have a hard time believing I am loved by very many people and have to try to convince myself that I am loved.
Facing my fear(s) is like taking bad medicine; it’s good for me. I strive to thinking that dealing with my fears ‘face-to-face’ allows me to learn something about myself – or about a point of view (when I’m fearful of being wrong).
I at tomes go so far as to write a list: ‘What am I afraid of?’ and itemize my fears. Defining my fears helps me if not to overcome them, then to control them. I try never to anticipate how any situation will play out, but it helps me accept any outcome more gratifyingly.
What helps me and/or my clients face fear is giving ourselves permission to be vulnerable and open w/ what is. Recognizing the humanness of the experience and being held by those that loved us and the wonderful nature that carries us as we fall – hopefully softly. Knowing that we have many experiences of falling and getting up and that we can do it this one more time…. and this other time… and this one more time again.
Thank you for this morning. What helps me face fear is acknowledging it, not
denying it or judging that “I shouldn’t feel that way”, and then going ahead with
the action, whether the fear has lessened, or not. It’s still scary, but makes me
more accepting of the outcome.
What helps me face fear is what my graduate supervisor called “name it to tame it.” When I tell on my fears, when I expose them, they lose some of their hold on me. I find that the simplest technique I know, just talking about it, is the beginning of dismantling the hold that the particular fear has had over me. Imposter syndrome has been my biggest foe! Which again, is just fear that I’m not good enough.
Thank you Tara 🕉
What helps me face fear is not to overthink and just do what I have to do! Without thinking about the result! Ask for help to get the job done! and face my vulnerability! 🙂
Sometimes sharing when I’m feeling anxious in a moment with someone I trust help diffuse some of the fear and anxiety. Daily practices of meditation, journaling and yoga have helped over time.
Getting in touch with my body helps me a lot. I work with my hands and focus on the soles of my feet if I’m walking. I also use my breath, extending my exhale and I regularly practice meditation. Sometimes, if I can, I lie down and practice your guided meditations when I feel fear.
breathing with awareness of choices; I do value RAIN, THANK YOU!! then shifting to trust in Higher Power guidance, wisdom and kindness to reveal creative, reparative possibilities
thank you for your inspiring work and giving free access often; may that generous energy reverberate back to you in abundance -:)
When I feel fear, it is really hard to stay with it, I look to feel its sensation in my body. Breath can become difficult, so sometimes I will take a few breaths and this helps me soften and connect with the bodily sensation of my fear a bit more. What helps me face my fear is to really articulate what exactly am I afraid of and share it with someone I trust. When I do this, what I am afraid of tends to become a little less menacing.
Taking action. Any kind of action. Action inspires confidence and empowerment for me. Freezing (my main reaction to fear) is debilitating and psychologically damaging. Even baby steps are confidence builders and they can lead to great strides. That old Nike advertising slogan: Just do it! is my mantra.
What helps me face fear is being willing to face fear or believing I can face it. Not habitually running or distracting myself from it.
Unfortunately, I’m not always willing or believing I can.
It’s like I’m afraid of fear.
I’ll be consumed by it if I open up to it.
I’m not sure there’s any “thing” that helps me face fear. I’ve realized how habitual and insidious it is. So the best way for me to face it, is when I can be aware of it – of exactly what’s going on…to separate the reaction from the cause. It’s certainly not as easy as it sounds but I’m hopeful.
Hi Tara, you have been a centering presence since the discovery that my partner has been unfaithful for years and the resulting trauma to my world. For over a year your meditations kept me sane when I was gripped by fear and grief. You taught me to meditate and now I can’t imagine life without it. That has led me to Yoga, an intro to Buddhist wisdom, and a 12 step community. Because of that, I’m learning to live with fear as a visitor. Thank you for being there. I believe you help more souls than you know. Namaste.
When I feel how fear manifests in my body I can welcome those feelings. I know I am human, and not alone or unique. My fear has its own spikes and fur. Some are ropes. Some are snakes.
What helps me face fear is to dance (here it is the physical activity) with that feeling/part of myself . However, I am still somewhat of a beginner. Thank you warmly for your cogent & concise style.
I am a worrier. I am lead or dragged through moments or more of embarrasment, fear, depression, withdrawl and psychological paralysis by circumstances that have not yet happened. These are assumptions of what WILL BE. They do not reside in the present moment, although the tumbling in turmoil of my moment to moment existence would have me think and experience it otherwise. By disrupting the out of control spinning thoughts, a pause in the ever- and over-flowing stream of consciousness allows me to get my head above the water’s surface in order to breath, find composure and make my way to safe refuge. (This is the hardest part.) Next, meditation and sitting help me find the ease in the next moments. Then I can change my environment, removing myself from the threatening and fear producing places. Taking a walk; going for a drive; taking a shower; preparing a favorite meal, no matter what it is, it is something I can do safely and it is something that gives me a sense of pleasure, saitisfaction and accomplishment.
Being aware of the two wings of a bird, Wisdom and Love, frees me. Wisdom is a product of the living of life and the truth of lessons learned. It is the synergistic whole of the lessons of truth and reality.The other half is experience of and appreciation for universal love and compassion and care, and the soothing, comforting presence of a non-threatening physical and social enviroment. Tara Brach calls these the “…Two Wings of Awareness that carry us to the freedom of our awakened Beings.”
By simply doing or showing up to what ever it I fear, real or imagined.
Invoking courage. Getting angry. Channeling bull energy, or other animal appropriate to context.
It helps to be reminded of what practical actions can help to face the fear and trust that one can overcome it and move through it and learn from it so as to move forward in a constructive way towards finding joy ie being more authentically me.
I have a playlist I call “strong,” and listening to it makes me feel stronger and more able to face the things I’m afraid of. Journalling always help me to see my fears and talk myself through them. Making sure I’m nourished is really important too. Fear always seems worse when I’m hungry or eating too much junk food.
Deep breathing. Calling family, friends. Looking at pictures of my grandbaby! Finding comedy
Breathing. Tuning into my body. Feeling where fear might be localized in my body. Trying to quiet thoughts that that might fuel the fear and/or take me to a place of of self judgement or aversion. Once i can regulate and quiet the emotional/mind /body part of fear, i can meet it and myself with more acceptance and compassion.
Mindfulness meditation and journaling/writing about my fears help me.
I love writing about gnarly stuff. What really freed me was knowing you can “ burn the writing page” so no one would ever SEE IT
I used to do as though the fear weren’t there. But then it “bit me in the a**” every time: I ended up dropping the ball and bombing important work or speaking engagements.
Now I get present with my emotions and acknowledge them. From now on, I’ll ask more what does it need from me?
Hi thank you I am at home w a knee injury and have the very rear opportunity to sit and just be whichever never happens unless I make a plan to set a side some time for me which is not offen listening to this I here you take about taking to part of one self which I do not as often as I would like but I do. And it works for me i think when i go back to work things w have to change like taking time for myself not getting to involved w my work and the people i looked after but in reality it has already changed. I am taking the opportunity to deal w stuff that has been pushed to the side because of lack of time but in reality I have not wanted to deal w it ,them because they are very painful. But I know I am strong how do I know that because I’m still here I love my life and my family and friends w all of my big heart . Thank you
Thank you. I have a watched, with great interest, all three free offerings.
I was wondering if there will be scholarships offered for part 4?
It helps me face fear knowing that fear will not eat me. It can alert me, make me nervous, give me a lot of problems (including physical problems) but it’s not there to kill me.
Anything Tara does is inspiring. I found these to be simple to understand and easy to implement.
I say a prayer and try to think my ways to handle the problem. I am learning to practice “surrendering”, to trust the Universe.
Coming into present moment
Thank you Tara. Much appreciated video. Acceptance and no control of the situation are helpful to face fear. Thank you
Talking to someone kind and accepting and interested in people
Presence — Pausing to allow time to see I am capable of great harm with my emotions/reactivity, knowing harming others is against everything my heart feels, and knowing my true nature is loving kindness.
Meditation,breathing practice,back to the now.
Feeling my Breathing calms my anxiety. Talking to myself about my fear and acknowledging it is there usually makes it less scary. I just need to remember to do this more so that my fears don’t make so anxious
I agree,acknowledging your fear is something I need to practice.
Acceptance of, befriending, and nurturing the part of me that feels afraid helps me to just be with myself in a way that allows the fear to not take such a deep hold over myself and my reactions. Practicing this daily whenever fear arises. Thank you, Tara, for all your wisdom and teachings.
Acceptance is key!!! Like first step owning itnaming it!!
What has helped me face fear, and in fact, has abruptly dissolved it and brought me into the present, is my connection with a trusted friend who knows me, likes me, is not afraid of me, and it’s reciprocal. I did not adequately bond with my mother so have been dysregulated and in freeze response ever since. Potentially, touch can have a measurable affect as well.
Meditation and yoga practice.
Meditating. Yoga Nidra.
Mindful Yoga practice.
Knowing lm not alone
Doing a RAIN meditation when, in the moments I notice I’m afraid, can really help me to recognise my fear for what it is and then see it from a new perspective.
I tend to worry about events that haven’t happened yet, and might not ever happen. My therapist taught me to notice when I was doing that, and to ask myself, “What is true right now? And, what else is true?” Focusing on the present truth helps create a calm that I didn’t used to have.
being open with my chronic worry/fear. Sharing my concerns with those I love and who love me. Some days I have a hard time believing I am loved by very many people and have to try to convince myself that I am loved.
Facing my fear(s) is like taking bad medicine; it’s good for me. I strive to thinking that dealing with my fears ‘face-to-face’ allows me to learn something about myself – or about a point of view (when I’m fearful of being wrong).
I at tomes go so far as to write a list: ‘What am I afraid of?’ and itemize my fears. Defining my fears helps me if not to overcome them, then to control them. I try never to anticipate how any situation will play out, but it helps me accept any outcome more gratifyingly.
Pause. Be patient. Trust. Go within.
What helps me and/or my clients face fear is giving ourselves permission to be vulnerable and open w/ what is. Recognizing the humanness of the experience and being held by those that loved us and the wonderful nature that carries us as we fall – hopefully softly. Knowing that we have many experiences of falling and getting up and that we can do it this one more time…. and this other time… and this one more time again.
Thank you for this morning. What helps me face fear is acknowledging it, not
denying it or judging that “I shouldn’t feel that way”, and then going ahead with
the action, whether the fear has lessened, or not. It’s still scary, but makes me
more accepting of the outcome.
What helps me face fear is what my graduate supervisor called “name it to tame it.” When I tell on my fears, when I expose them, they lose some of their hold on me. I find that the simplest technique I know, just talking about it, is the beginning of dismantling the hold that the particular fear has had over me. Imposter syndrome has been my biggest foe! Which again, is just fear that I’m not good enough.
Thank you Tara 🕉
Facing it directly, knowing it is within me, within my territory, and I have the power to tame it.
Thanks for your teachings,
Bilha Birman-Rivlin
What helps me face fear is not to overthink and just do what I have to do! Without thinking about the result! Ask for help to get the job done! and face my vulnerability! 🙂
It helps me to face fear to have a compassionate attitude towards myself.
Sometimes sharing when I’m feeling anxious in a moment with someone I trust help diffuse some of the fear and anxiety. Daily practices of meditation, journaling and yoga have helped over time.
I would be light and an burdened, comfortable in my own skin and free to pursue the life that would bring me joy and satisfaction!
Getting in touch with my body helps me a lot. I work with my hands and focus on the soles of my feet if I’m walking. I also use my breath, extending my exhale and I regularly practice meditation. Sometimes, if I can, I lie down and practice your guided meditations when I feel fear.
breathing with awareness of choices; I do value RAIN, THANK YOU!! then shifting to trust in Higher Power guidance, wisdom and kindness to reveal creative, reparative possibilities
thank you for your inspiring work and giving free access often; may that generous energy reverberate back to you in abundance -:)
I look at fear dead in the eyes and say “you’re coming with me!” And there we go, always together we go.
When I feel fear, it is really hard to stay with it, I look to feel its sensation in my body. Breath can become difficult, so sometimes I will take a few breaths and this helps me soften and connect with the bodily sensation of my fear a bit more. What helps me face my fear is to really articulate what exactly am I afraid of and share it with someone I trust. When I do this, what I am afraid of tends to become a little less menacing.
Deep breathing, visualization.
Taking action. Any kind of action. Action inspires confidence and empowerment for me. Freezing (my main reaction to fear) is debilitating and psychologically damaging. Even baby steps are confidence builders and they can lead to great strides. That old Nike advertising slogan: Just do it! is my mantra.
Love is the way I easely face fear
What helps me face fear is being willing to face fear or believing I can face it. Not habitually running or distracting myself from it.
Unfortunately, I’m not always willing or believing I can.
It’s like I’m afraid of fear.
I’ll be consumed by it if I open up to it.
I’m not sure there’s any “thing” that helps me face fear. I’ve realized how habitual and insidious it is. So the best way for me to face it, is when I can be aware of it – of exactly what’s going on…to separate the reaction from the cause. It’s certainly not as easy as it sounds but I’m hopeful.
Hi Tara, you have been a centering presence since the discovery that my partner has been unfaithful for years and the resulting trauma to my world. For over a year your meditations kept me sane when I was gripped by fear and grief. You taught me to meditate and now I can’t imagine life without it. That has led me to Yoga, an intro to Buddhist wisdom, and a 12 step community. Because of that, I’m learning to live with fear as a visitor. Thank you for being there. I believe you help more souls than you know. Namaste.
When I feel how fear manifests in my body I can welcome those feelings. I know I am human, and not alone or unique. My fear has its own spikes and fur. Some are ropes. Some are snakes.
make something creative with it, play with it.
What helps me face fear is to dance (here it is the physical activity) with that feeling/part of myself . However, I am still somewhat of a beginner. Thank you warmly for your cogent & concise style.
I am a worrier. I am lead or dragged through moments or more of embarrasment, fear, depression, withdrawl and psychological paralysis by circumstances that have not yet happened. These are assumptions of what WILL BE. They do not reside in the present moment, although the tumbling in turmoil of my moment to moment existence would have me think and experience it otherwise. By disrupting the out of control spinning thoughts, a pause in the ever- and over-flowing stream of consciousness allows me to get my head above the water’s surface in order to breath, find composure and make my way to safe refuge. (This is the hardest part.) Next, meditation and sitting help me find the ease in the next moments. Then I can change my environment, removing myself from the threatening and fear producing places. Taking a walk; going for a drive; taking a shower; preparing a favorite meal, no matter what it is, it is something I can do safely and it is something that gives me a sense of pleasure, saitisfaction and accomplishment.
Being aware of the two wings of a bird, Wisdom and Love, frees me. Wisdom is a product of the living of life and the truth of lessons learned. It is the synergistic whole of the lessons of truth and reality.The other half is experience of and appreciation for universal love and compassion and care, and the soothing, comforting presence of a non-threatening physical and social enviroment. Tara Brach calls these the “…Two Wings of Awareness that carry us to the freedom of our awakened Beings.”