Thank you so much, Ms. Brach, for this important lesson in dealing with fear and self-doubt. I am currently working with a client who is lost to her negatives. I use a technique very similar to this one, along with simple creative projects. After being an Internationally awarded American Artist, Creativity has conquerd my own lifelong deep inner fear. Inch by inch I am guiding her out of her “weeds” and into the light. Bless you for this reminder of the truly simple fact that we ALL can ALLOW ourselves to heal.
“Who would I be….?” That’s a powerful question to ask and halts me in my tracks when I consider it. There are beautiful possibilities ahead.. I hope I find the courage to pursue some of them.
I like that, create a new habit of asking who would I be if I was not stuck in a trance of fear
It would definitely help me wake with a more positive view of day that lies ahead,
Fear of failure and fear of success that will lead to failure because I’ve failed so many times in the past had lead me down a path of never learning from my mistakes Always working to redeem myself so that others would see I was different and not the same only to get frustrated and rebel against my peers Tough way to live
With this tool I will allow myself more time – in the past I would have the capacity for quick change, cold Turkey and now I am giving myself time to evolve so that I don’t get frustrated quickly and give up. Covid has given many the time to slow down and reflect on what’s most important and what is the best use of the energy we have
Kathy Petersen, Counseling, East Peoria, IL, USAsays
More confident, appropriately taking initiative, more joyful, and able to move into knew things with a wholeheartedness–often some of my mind/heart is occupied by managing the self-doubt and reassuring myself.
Like the sunlight I saw just now dancing in a raindrop.
Bless, Tara. I’ve done 2 workshops with you and your books have changed my life (at 70, I couldn’t be happier).💖
Who would I be? I’d be more at ease, contented and free of almost constant mental and emotional struggle.
It would be life affirming and liberating. Thanks for these insightful teachings.
I would be more spontaneous and more relaxed, without letting the opinions of others shape my actions sometimes. I would be able to display multiple aspects in the present moment, instead of showing a particular image of who is expected for me to be.
I’d be curious without reservation, an explorer and pioneer of bold ideas, unafrad of fatigue.
I’d be a blindfluencer, I’d be bold enough to coin and claim the term and inspire a generation or more of blind and visually impaired professionals to force their way into history.
Without fear I would love fully – myself, others, my life, our world – and that would make my ever day, my interactions and actions better, more positive, more helpful to and for others. I would engage and act on what my heart and soul need and what I am gifted to do with ease, fulfillment and broader, deeper effectiveness. I would be released from the constraints of self doubt. Instead I would be thriving – and that would have a positive impact on many others.
No procrastinating over starting projects in case they aren’t very good…. I would follow through with all those ideas I have. I would be out there more, talk to everyone and nothing would be in the way.
Who would I be without fear? In one word: free. In more words: whole, powerful, present, loving, wise, joyful, trusting, peaceful, clear, inspired, creative, connected, compassionate, abundant, energized, and in the flow of each moment with ease, comfort, grace, and beauty. Thank you!
I might feel joyful and vibrant , enjoy the mornings again- have a cup of coffee and enjoy it. Face my empty nesting as if it were an adventure instead of dread and missing all the wonderful moments with children.
Thank you for reminding me: years ago I had a dream in which (sparing you the long version!) I stopped, turned & faced the fear that was literally chasing me (in the form of a charging bull!) – it shrank in front of my eyes to the point I was able to pet it & tickle it! I had not considering using that image in my current life. Thank you again.
I would be open to all the possibilities that life offers me. I would feel all the love that fills my life and I would have room in my heart for everyone. I would not withdraw and hide.
Thank you, Tara Brach and NICABM, for offering these videos.
If I didn’t believe something was wrong with me, I would be a world trainer. I would travel to 3rd world countries sharing continuing education workshops to practitioners serving vulnerable populations. I would offer shame recovery and trauma growth retreats for those who experienced trauma. I would be an author and write professional development curriculum for social workers and counselors.
I’m 85, and have heard of training in psychology and spiritual teachings, however, this simple question caught me up short, and caused me to immediately reflect one this question. Wow! I see what I need to focus on now. Thank you.
My first thought is a judgement that I’d be an annoying chatty bubble head.
I’m pretty sure that’s not the kind of answer you expect. And I certainly “know” that you’d like to hear something like “dancing when nobody’s looking “. Believe me I’d like to feel like that is the possibility. But I just answered my first thought and believe that thought has come up for many years.
I would be a trusting, confident partner with healthy boundaries because I would believe that I am worthy of it. I would also leave a limiting pace and start somewhere new despite the initial discomfort of stepping out into the unknown.Working on it.
Thank you very much.
Andrea Gordon, Psychotherapy, Pleasantville , NY, USAsays
I’d be softer and more gentle. Without fear to make me defensive and blocked off.. I would be more open and less self protective. If I allow all thoughts and feelings in, realizing they are just that. Not reality.
It’s hard though being open and not fearing pain.
Yitzchok Gordon, Another Field, Pittsburgh , PA, USAsays
I would be confident, bold. More sensitive to others. More loving of myself. More energetic. Happier more intimate with myself and my wife. Likely wealthier. More available to do more good and bring more galling to others.
I would be a wide eyed human being, enjoying the ups and downs of life with wisdom and equanimity. I would know that my thoughts are not my own and I could be with every day fully.
Thank you, Bob L, for stating this amazing idea, “My thoughts are not my own.” In my practice, this has been an idea that people are not readily able to accept. But it is a starting point! I guess I just hadn’t heard it expressed quite as succinctly as you did. Thanks.
Summer Ward, Psychotherapy, Saint joseph , MO, USAsays
I would be so much more present and in the moment because I wouldn’t have the self-consciousness always running in the background. I would be able to walk in authenticity and freedom. I could bring my whole self to my work and my relationships without holding back. I would not have to white-knuckle it through my days.
Sherrie Saluc, Counseling, Johnson City, NY, USAsays
Thank you-very helpful to reflect on deep seated beliefs that keep us going around in loops…..I look forward to listening to more teachings….tx u! Sherrie
I will be authentic and brave to do what I want to do – and a lot of it,
Thank you so much, Ms. Brach, for this important lesson in dealing with fear and self-doubt. I am currently working with a client who is lost to her negatives. I use a technique very similar to this one, along with simple creative projects. After being an Internationally awarded American Artist, Creativity has conquerd my own lifelong deep inner fear. Inch by inch I am guiding her out of her “weeds” and into the light. Bless you for this reminder of the truly simple fact that we ALL can ALLOW ourselves to heal.
i feel i would be more vulnerable due to my naïveté without the watchman of my fear
I would be courageous!
“Who would I be….?” That’s a powerful question to ask and halts me in my tracks when I consider it. There are beautiful possibilities ahead.. I hope I find the courage to pursue some of them.
I like that, create a new habit of asking who would I be if I was not stuck in a trance of fear
It would definitely help me wake with a more positive view of day that lies ahead,
Fear of failure and fear of success that will lead to failure because I’ve failed so many times in the past had lead me down a path of never learning from my mistakes Always working to redeem myself so that others would see I was different and not the same only to get frustrated and rebel against my peers Tough way to live
With this tool I will allow myself more time – in the past I would have the capacity for quick change, cold Turkey and now I am giving myself time to evolve so that I don’t get frustrated quickly and give up. Covid has given many the time to slow down and reflect on what’s most important and what is the best use of the energy we have
If I be fearless I could be very risky human being disregard any live threating sign.
More confident, appropriately taking initiative, more joyful, and able to move into knew things with a wholeheartedness–often some of my mind/heart is occupied by managing the self-doubt and reassuring myself.
Love that question, who would I be if I didnt believe something was wrong with me?
I would be in a healthy relationship, I would be happier
Timely information and useful knowledge for everyone to embody through the ebb and flow of life’s journey.
Like the sunlight I saw just now dancing in a raindrop.
Bless, Tara. I’ve done 2 workshops with you and your books have changed my life (at 70, I couldn’t be happier).💖
I would be bolder in offering my opinions and not so anxious to please.
I ‘d feel freer, be more true to myself, and help better people around me.
Who would I be? I’d be more at ease, contented and free of almost constant mental and emotional struggle.
It would be life affirming and liberating. Thanks for these insightful teachings.
I would be more spontaneous and more relaxed, without letting the opinions of others shape my actions sometimes. I would be able to display multiple aspects in the present moment, instead of showing a particular image of who is expected for me to be.
Who would I be without fear?
I’d be curious without reservation, an explorer and pioneer of bold ideas, unafrad of fatigue.
I’d be a blindfluencer, I’d be bold enough to coin and claim the term and inspire a generation or more of blind and visually impaired professionals to force their way into history.
Without fear I would love fully – myself, others, my life, our world – and that would make my ever day, my interactions and actions better, more positive, more helpful to and for others. I would engage and act on what my heart and soul need and what I am gifted to do with ease, fulfillment and broader, deeper effectiveness. I would be released from the constraints of self doubt. Instead I would be thriving – and that would have a positive impact on many others.
A calm, giving being, open to others.
Bolder, happier, calmer, more creative
I would be a more friendly loving person
No procrastinating over starting projects in case they aren’t very good…. I would follow through with all those ideas I have. I would be out there more, talk to everyone and nothing would be in the way.
Uber creative, Uber fun and I’ll start to embrace my ‘left field’ so much more
Tara makes a lot of sense and I learned a lot from this teaching.
I would be curious, courageous and flowing. A visual of water comes to mind, brushing over rocks and embracing the bubbles beneath!
I’d feel more contentment and have more motivation.
I WOULD BE ABLE TO SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Married with children
When I thought about who I would be I found I was smiling at the thought of all the freedom and beauty that would give me. What a great question.
Who would I be without fear? In one word: free. In more words: whole, powerful, present, loving, wise, joyful, trusting, peaceful, clear, inspired, creative, connected, compassionate, abundant, energized, and in the flow of each moment with ease, comfort, grace, and beauty. Thank you!
I might feel joyful and vibrant , enjoy the mornings again- have a cup of coffee and enjoy it. Face my empty nesting as if it were an adventure instead of dread and missing all the wonderful moments with children.
I would accomplish a lot more…
A novel would be completed
Thank you for reminding me: years ago I had a dream in which (sparing you the long version!) I stopped, turned & faced the fear that was literally chasing me (in the form of a charging bull!) – it shrank in front of my eyes to the point I was able to pet it & tickle it! I had not considering using that image in my current life. Thank you again.
Super Woman
I would be someone living a fuller life right now because I Could be present in the moment instead of worrying about things in the future.
I would be open to all the possibilities that life offers me. I would feel all the love that fills my life and I would have room in my heart for everyone. I would not withdraw and hide.
Thank you, Tara Brach and NICABM, for offering these videos.
If I didn’t believe something was wrong with me, I would be a world trainer. I would travel to 3rd world countries sharing continuing education workshops to practitioners serving vulnerable populations. I would offer shame recovery and trauma growth retreats for those who experienced trauma. I would be an author and write professional development curriculum for social workers and counselors.
I’m 85, and have heard of training in psychology and spiritual teachings, however, this simple question caught me up short, and caused me to immediately reflect one this question. Wow! I see what I need to focus on now. Thank you.
I would feel freer to express myself and pursue my passions.
Someone more willing to take risks
My first thought is a judgement that I’d be an annoying chatty bubble head.
I’m pretty sure that’s not the kind of answer you expect. And I certainly “know” that you’d like to hear something like “dancing when nobody’s looking “. Believe me I’d like to feel like that is the possibility. But I just answered my first thought and believe that thought has come up for many years.
I would be a trusting, confident partner with healthy boundaries because I would believe that I am worthy of it. I would also leave a limiting pace and start somewhere new despite the initial discomfort of stepping out into the unknown.Working on it.
Thank you very much.
I’d be softer and more gentle. Without fear to make me defensive and blocked off.. I would be more open and less self protective. If I allow all thoughts and feelings in, realizing they are just that. Not reality.
It’s hard though being open and not fearing pain.
Andrea Gordon MA, LCSWR
A more joyful loving affectionate person.
I would be confident, bold. More sensitive to others. More loving of myself. More energetic. Happier more intimate with myself and my wife. Likely wealthier. More available to do more good and bring more galling to others.
I would be a wide eyed human being, enjoying the ups and downs of life with wisdom and equanimity. I would know that my thoughts are not my own and I could be with every day fully.
Thank you, Bob L, for stating this amazing idea, “My thoughts are not my own.” In my practice, this has been an idea that people are not readily able to accept. But it is a starting point! I guess I just hadn’t heard it expressed quite as succinctly as you did. Thanks.
I would be so much more present and in the moment because I wouldn’t have the self-consciousness always running in the background. I would be able to walk in authenticity and freedom. I could bring my whole self to my work and my relationships without holding back. I would not have to white-knuckle it through my days.
I would have more power for my contribution in the healing process of others!
I could just be without having to be someone that has to show up as someone to be accepted. Fully accepting and loving of myself.
Thank you-very helpful to reflect on deep seated beliefs that keep us going around in loops…..I look forward to listening to more teachings….tx u! Sherrie