Jannabelle Scott, Another Field, Greenville, SC, USAsays
I’m mixed when it comes to facing fear. I’m brave and can handle a lot of discomfort when I’m doing something physical/adventurous/challenging. I seem to have inner reserves of strength and confidence from which I can draw. On the other hand, likely because of childhood trauma and some cluster B symptoms, I am fearful of decision-making, relationships (to a certain extent), finances, the future, aging, loneliness and illness and do not seem to have the inner resources and resilience I need to build my confidence around these issues. I struggle to convince myself that all will be well.
In the moment my conscious breathing can help and my meditation practice reassures me to let it come and let it go. Being with it releases it’s painful grip and later on, when I’m not so triggered I can reflect or write about the experience to come to some understanding of where I am in the midst of this and where my spiritual journey is heading. Sometimes the fear is ancestral and psychological. I think I can work with that to find my path. Sometimes the state of the world is overwhelming and there is anxiety everywhere, I find a place where the energy can flow and where love rules and community supports.
To slow down and let go of my “grip” on things, recognize and release the tension in my body, try to focus on my breath — these things help me but don’t really bring comfort to my troubled heart/mind
Thank you Tara for this first session. You explain the effects of prolonged fear very clearly. I have come to realize that chronic fear is overwhelming and difficult to manage on a daily basis. In fact, sometimes it has seemed like I am in a trance and I can’t overcome it when faced with situations that I would never run away from in the first place.
I don’t have much tolerance for people who are, for some odd reason, continually set up fake scenarios when I step outside of my house. I can’t even imagine what that is all about or why but I am slowly beginning to learn some CBT methods that can help me feel more confident in my own fear about why this has been going on for years. I have felt alone and frightened for many years. I truly want to be in this world where I can help others in their own needs. That is who I am, naturally. I will continue to watch this series and I am hopeful that I can continue to find tools to help me through this. I am weary after these many years and need to learn more about where, when and why this happens. 💕
Dancing and moving my body, tapping it or shaking.. becoming embodied. I also find mindfulness meditation helpful.. exploring the sensation of fear and noticing how it dissipates and changes
Thank you Tara for this powerful message that deeply resonates with me and how I work with clients. Somatic awareness and breathing to make space for uncomfortable emotions. These provide an anchor from which to safely experience fear. I have found this reliable for myself and my clients helping fear dissipate quickly.
Thank you Tara for your inspiring, thoughtful and wise words. Mindfulness and the acknowledgment of fear in the middle of a stressful and risk situations helps combined with breathing through the body responses. Fear like other emotions are hidden underneath. With regular meditation and the listening and reading of spiritual teachers like you has been of enormous help for myself and the work I provide, thank you 🙂
Dearest Tara,
Thank you so much for all your inspiration. I am so grateful.
In terms of your question:
1. Being aware that I have to deal with fear.
2. Talking about the issue with close friends.
3. Meditating and connecting with my divine home, my divine wholeness, the divine love. Surrender trust and accept.
4. Focus on my resources and being in the present moment: Making music, going for a walk in the nature, focus on beauty, going in resonance with a laughing child, a funny situation – there are so many possibilities to resonate in the present moment.
Jane Arthur, Psychotherapy, Land O Lakes, FL, USAsays
I enjoyed the video very much. When working with my clients I find body scanning for where the anxiety manifests in the body and imagery to emobody and contain the anxiety and exploring with the client to giving it an avatar and exploring its protective roots.
Inviting an attitude of fascination with the marvel of the capacity of thoughts to catalyze emotions and sensations. Being amazed at the capacity to be NOT here, NOT now playing a story in the mind that has such an impact. By guiding attention to notice that right here, right now there is safety and security. To guide self or other to the recognition that fear is a story of what is not happening.
Jennifer Morin, Exercise Physiology, Shrewsbury, MA, USAsays
Hi Tara,
What helps me face fear? I learned from you…’Loving Kindness’ Viewing myself and others with loving kindness helps me to ‘control’ the anger that may arise. I have been emotionally neglected for years, and I often lash out at the one doing it in order to ‘protect’ myself. But using loving kindness has given me the understanding an ability to say..”It’s not my fault, and more importantly, “It’s not his fault”. It doesn’t ‘justify’ anything or does it make me ‘accept’ being treated that way. What it does do is allow me to think with a kind heart for all involved, and to make decisions that are not fueled by anger..aka..FEAR
Richard Velazquez, Other, Los Angeles, CA, USAsays
By first focusing on the breath, then identifying the natural somatic response. I can then bring kind attention to these areas with curiosity. Allowing, not resisting. Then using the phrase, “This belongs. This is fear.” I thank my response for trying to protect me in some way. That space allows for a wise response to the natural emotional and somatic experience as opposed to my traditional knee jerk reaction. It doesn’t always work but it’s a practice. 🙏🏽
A thorough knowledge and understanding of the “known” elements in my health can help me to better accept the vast amounts of “unknown”. Addressing the uncertainty helps to deflate my fears and make them more approachable.
Tara, thank you for this opportunity. I have transformed my life to a life of peace and well-being, because of your teachings and listening to your podcast over the year.
Thank you for your dedication and love to all beans in the world
I have a series of photos to remind us to turn to the light within us. Teresarachelle.com
Hi, what has helped me most is knowing that i have choices and the choices i have are to live in love or live in fear. I also try to look at what fear is teaching me, and my past experience also allow me to know that I am capable of moving out of fear, I try breathing deeply and allow my self to see what i have learn from fear and I’m learning to let go and trust that all is going to work out.
Exposure Therapy. Small steps. Curious conversations of love and truth. Having someone walk through fire with them. Self care rituals. Prayer. Time. Love and compassion. 💖
Becoming aware of the situation where fear is occurring and then connecting with my breath in that moment. Practicing the steps of RAIN always helps to make sense of the fear that is occurring at the time.
Thanks for this free program!!! I prayed today, through my tears, for help with my anxiety and my stress. It has created enormous suffering in my body in these past 3 months as I am embarking on an extremely ambitious and super scary project. I know that allowing fear, anxiety, stress to be here is an important step towards helping and healing my physical symptoms. I’m ready to commit to more mindfulness and look forward to your next video.
I generally don’t think of myself as being fearful. But after listening to the video, I realize that the frustration/anxiety that I have is due to multiple issues:
-My husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and retired unexpectedly early.
-I am a licensed therapist but now work in behavioral health insurance management, working with hospitals and providers. I loved my previous job and work in the community but I was exhausted, underpaid, and felt like I was on the side of working for the good of others. My work is now on zoom with little personal contact but pays well. My company decided to operate only remotely and we no longer gather as colleagues or travel.
-My community is very conservative and the fearful/hateful ideology, divisive, hateful rhetoric, behavior, and legal action are distressing to me. I used to be able to participate in progressive causes in a meaningful way, but don’t because of my need to be at home.
I am an action-oriented/problem-solving person. I had a great marriage for which I am eternally thankful. My husband’s health situation was unexpected but I have been able to take over all of the functions of my household and take care of him. My job is very flexible and helpful to our situation. But the time/energy I have after my unrewarding work, taking care of him, and avoiding ultra-conservative settings has kept me from being active in my community, professional life, or changing jobs. I used to be able to participate in progressive causes in a meaningful way, but don’t because of my need to be at home.
Therefore, I feel inadequate, voiceless, powerless, and frustrated, which is unusual for me. To others, I appear to have everything managed even though I feel brittle. I must find ways to feel I am doing something out of my strengths, that is meaningful and helpful to my community/world so I don’t become depressed. I need to practice embracing this anxiety. Thank you for this video series.
I am a 63 year old male. Been dealing with anxiety suddenly for 6 months. I have many days that I seem to be healing and peaceful and than suddenly the fear and anxiety rises up again. Mindfulness helps. I know its a journey, but at times it can certainly be challenging to sit with the fear and see what it is trying to tell me. When I am in the moment all is well. These are wonderful podcasts. My problem is staying off the internet and looking for reassurances that I’m OK. Thoughts??
I find I can let go my chronic anxiety in a situation where there is a sense of comradeship/fellow feeling, even when (or perhaps particularly when) it is sensed among passing strangers and not only with people one knows well.
Charlotte Høvring, Other, DK says
Sometimes I say to myself “We are all one”.
Jannabelle Scott, Another Field, Greenville, SC, USA says
I’m mixed when it comes to facing fear. I’m brave and can handle a lot of discomfort when I’m doing something physical/adventurous/challenging. I seem to have inner reserves of strength and confidence from which I can draw. On the other hand, likely because of childhood trauma and some cluster B symptoms, I am fearful of decision-making, relationships (to a certain extent), finances, the future, aging, loneliness and illness and do not seem to have the inner resources and resilience I need to build my confidence around these issues. I struggle to convince myself that all will be well.
Amy Carpenter, Counseling, Lahaina, HI, USA says
Awareness
Debbie Clay, Counseling, Bentonville, AR, USA says
Supportive human connection has helped my clients more than anything else the last 2 years. Thank you for this training.
Helen My, Other, IE says
In the moment my conscious breathing can help and my meditation practice reassures me to let it come and let it go. Being with it releases it’s painful grip and later on, when I’m not so triggered I can reflect or write about the experience to come to some understanding of where I am in the midst of this and where my spiritual journey is heading. Sometimes the fear is ancestral and psychological. I think I can work with that to find my path. Sometimes the state of the world is overwhelming and there is anxiety everywhere, I find a place where the energy can flow and where love rules and community supports.
Karen Mitchell, Another Field, GB says
Passion to do the thing…and allowing it to be there
Maria Benson, Another Field, Madison, WI, USA says
Breathing meditation and praying.
Deb Lan, Coach, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA, USA says
Recognizing the truth of impermanence, especially when reinforced by sitting with the cosmic mudra during zazen.
Sally Jenkins, Other, Princeton, NJ, USA says
To slow down and let go of my “grip” on things, recognize and release the tension in my body, try to focus on my breath — these things help me but don’t really bring comfort to my troubled heart/mind
Chad kourajian, Other, Bismarck , ND, USA says
Prayer, my Christian beliefs.
Marie Brand, Other, Gresham , OR, USA says
Thank you Tara for this first session. You explain the effects of prolonged fear very clearly. I have come to realize that chronic fear is overwhelming and difficult to manage on a daily basis. In fact, sometimes it has seemed like I am in a trance and I can’t overcome it when faced with situations that I would never run away from in the first place.
I don’t have much tolerance for people who are, for some odd reason, continually set up fake scenarios when I step outside of my house. I can’t even imagine what that is all about or why but I am slowly beginning to learn some CBT methods that can help me feel more confident in my own fear about why this has been going on for years. I have felt alone and frightened for many years. I truly want to be in this world where I can help others in their own needs. That is who I am, naturally. I will continue to watch this series and I am hopeful that I can continue to find tools to help me through this. I am weary after these many years and need to learn more about where, when and why this happens. 💕
Ava Maginnis, Another Field, GB says
Dancing and moving my body, tapping it or shaking.. becoming embodied. I also find mindfulness meditation helpful.. exploring the sensation of fear and noticing how it dissipates and changes
Peggy Hansen, Psychotherapy, CA says
Thank you Tara for this powerful message that deeply resonates with me and how I work with clients. Somatic awareness and breathing to make space for uncomfortable emotions. These provide an anchor from which to safely experience fear. I have found this reliable for myself and my clients helping fear dissipate quickly.
Alba Zu, Counseling, Renton , WA, USA says
Thank you Tara for your inspiring, thoughtful and wise words. Mindfulness and the acknowledgment of fear in the middle of a stressful and risk situations helps combined with breathing through the body responses. Fear like other emotions are hidden underneath. With regular meditation and the listening and reading of spiritual teachers like you has been of enormous help for myself and the work I provide, thank you 🙂
Elyse Jacobs, Another Field, San Francisco, CA, USA says
breathing, (dolphin breath:4-4-4-4)
asking the age of that aspect feeling fear, sometimes I see her clothes worn at that age.
ask what she needs
Margaret Stalder-Fischer, Other, CH says
Dearest Tara,
Thank you so much for all your inspiration. I am so grateful.
In terms of your question:
1. Being aware that I have to deal with fear.
2. Talking about the issue with close friends.
3. Meditating and connecting with my divine home, my divine wholeness, the divine love. Surrender trust and accept.
4. Focus on my resources and being in the present moment: Making music, going for a walk in the nature, focus on beauty, going in resonance with a laughing child, a funny situation – there are so many possibilities to resonate in the present moment.
Emma Goldman-Sherman, Coach, New York, NY, USA says
Guided meditations, embodiment, parts work. Thank you!
Jane Arthur, Psychotherapy, Land O Lakes, FL, USA says
I enjoyed the video very much. When working with my clients I find body scanning for where the anxiety manifests in the body and imagery to emobody and contain the anxiety and exploring with the client to giving it an avatar and exploring its protective roots.
Bonnie Berg, Counseling, Portland, OR, USA says
Bow to fear, listen respectfully, then not so what she says. Unless a tiger is chasing you.
Sandra Black, Psychotherapy, GB says
Feeling someone knows how I feel, and cares. This more than any of the other helpful techniques and practices.
dale steele, Other, Greenville, NC, USA says
Inviting an attitude of fascination with the marvel of the capacity of thoughts to catalyze emotions and sensations. Being amazed at the capacity to be NOT here, NOT now playing a story in the mind that has such an impact. By guiding attention to notice that right here, right now there is safety and security. To guide self or other to the recognition that fear is a story of what is not happening.
Nia Pharr, Teacher, Wilmington, NC, USA says
“Fear is a story of what is not happening”. Thank you! I’m going to make that my mantra!
Lori Bri, Other, Oklahoma City , OK, USA says
Safe space & knowing they aren’t going to drown from the waves
Kathleen Burns, Nursing, Durango , CO, USA says
Attend a 12 step program, meditate, any outdoor activity
Jennifer Morin, Exercise Physiology, Shrewsbury, MA, USA says
Hi Tara,
What helps me face fear? I learned from you…’Loving Kindness’ Viewing myself and others with loving kindness helps me to ‘control’ the anger that may arise. I have been emotionally neglected for years, and I often lash out at the one doing it in order to ‘protect’ myself. But using loving kindness has given me the understanding an ability to say..”It’s not my fault, and more importantly, “It’s not his fault”. It doesn’t ‘justify’ anything or does it make me ‘accept’ being treated that way. What it does do is allow me to think with a kind heart for all involved, and to make decisions that are not fueled by anger..aka..FEAR
Richard Velazquez, Other, Los Angeles, CA, USA says
By first focusing on the breath, then identifying the natural somatic response. I can then bring kind attention to these areas with curiosity. Allowing, not resisting. Then using the phrase, “This belongs. This is fear.” I thank my response for trying to protect me in some way. That space allows for a wise response to the natural emotional and somatic experience as opposed to my traditional knee jerk reaction. It doesn’t always work but it’s a practice. 🙏🏽
zangmo Gercke, Another Field, GB says
taking time to think about the situation, and also having someone to talk to
Anna Banana, Other, Washington, DC, USA says
A thorough knowledge and understanding of the “known” elements in my health can help me to better accept the vast amounts of “unknown”. Addressing the uncertainty helps to deflate my fears and make them more approachable.
Teresa Rachelle, Other, Sandy, UT, USA says
Tara, thank you for this opportunity. I have transformed my life to a life of peace and well-being, because of your teachings and listening to your podcast over the year.
Thank you for your dedication and love to all beans in the world
I have a series of photos to remind us to turn to the light within us. Teresarachelle.com
Blessings my Friend
Anna Padua, Other, Southington, CT, USA says
Hi, what has helped me most is knowing that i have choices and the choices i have are to live in love or live in fear. I also try to look at what fear is teaching me, and my past experience also allow me to know that I am capable of moving out of fear, I try breathing deeply and allow my self to see what i have learn from fear and I’m learning to let go and trust that all is going to work out.
Shani Gubler, Coach, CA says
Connect to inner infinity ♾️ connection
suzanne hewett, Counseling, CA says
safer inner child
Jim Koehneke, Coach, Shelburne, VT, USA says
aligning with spiritual wisdom early in the morning so I can carry a vision of peace with me throughout the day
Susan W, Other, Birmingham , MI, USA says
self acceptance
Alexandra Paproski, Psychotherapy, CA says
Exposure Therapy. Small steps. Curious conversations of love and truth. Having someone walk through fire with them. Self care rituals. Prayer. Time. Love and compassion. 💖
Steve Azmier, Another Field, CA says
Meditation, music, walking, exercise, eating properly, proper sleeping, keeping busy, socializing with friends, talking to someone
Darragh Jennings, Nursing, IE says
Becoming aware of the situation where fear is occurring and then connecting with my breath in that moment. Practicing the steps of RAIN always helps to make sense of the fear that is occurring at the time.
VIcki Genfan, Another Field, Ararat, NC, USA says
Thanks for this free program!!! I prayed today, through my tears, for help with my anxiety and my stress. It has created enormous suffering in my body in these past 3 months as I am embarking on an extremely ambitious and super scary project. I know that allowing fear, anxiety, stress to be here is an important step towards helping and healing my physical symptoms. I’m ready to commit to more mindfulness and look forward to your next video.
Debbie Gunnlaugsson, Other, Jacksonville, FL, USA says
Talking it through and taking action
Alexia Prichard, Another Field, Hudson, MA, USA says
Breathing and taking things slow.
Diane Mullan, Another Field, CA says
grounding in the body
Rosella Duarte, Nursing, South Burlington, VT, USA says
Exercise, especially qi qong; sharing with a friend who will listen without judgement.
Vicki Genfan, Another Field, Ararat, NC, USA says
Thank you for reminding me of the great healing power of movement, especially qi gong!!
Barrett Newsom, Other, La Mesa, CA, USA says
Visualizing a space, a refuge, where I am safe, healthy, happy, and at peace.
Bev Brink, Another Field, GB says
mostly l have over come fear
Maria Engdal, Occupational Therapy, SE says
Kind, curious and coragious presence
Nancy LPC, Counseling, Montgomery, AL, USA says
I generally don’t think of myself as being fearful. But after listening to the video, I realize that the frustration/anxiety that I have is due to multiple issues:
-My husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and retired unexpectedly early.
-I am a licensed therapist but now work in behavioral health insurance management, working with hospitals and providers. I loved my previous job and work in the community but I was exhausted, underpaid, and felt like I was on the side of working for the good of others. My work is now on zoom with little personal contact but pays well. My company decided to operate only remotely and we no longer gather as colleagues or travel.
-My community is very conservative and the fearful/hateful ideology, divisive, hateful rhetoric, behavior, and legal action are distressing to me. I used to be able to participate in progressive causes in a meaningful way, but don’t because of my need to be at home.
I am an action-oriented/problem-solving person. I had a great marriage for which I am eternally thankful. My husband’s health situation was unexpected but I have been able to take over all of the functions of my household and take care of him. My job is very flexible and helpful to our situation. But the time/energy I have after my unrewarding work, taking care of him, and avoiding ultra-conservative settings has kept me from being active in my community, professional life, or changing jobs. I used to be able to participate in progressive causes in a meaningful way, but don’t because of my need to be at home.
Therefore, I feel inadequate, voiceless, powerless, and frustrated, which is unusual for me. To others, I appear to have everything managed even though I feel brittle. I must find ways to feel I am doing something out of my strengths, that is meaningful and helpful to my community/world so I don’t become depressed. I need to practice embracing this anxiety. Thank you for this video series.
Lizie Reyes, Another Field, PH says
Just doing it despite of the fear.
Tom Ward, Another Field, Cleveland, OH, USA says
I am a 63 year old male. Been dealing with anxiety suddenly for 6 months. I have many days that I seem to be healing and peaceful and than suddenly the fear and anxiety rises up again. Mindfulness helps. I know its a journey, but at times it can certainly be challenging to sit with the fear and see what it is trying to tell me. When I am in the moment all is well. These are wonderful podcasts. My problem is staying off the internet and looking for reassurances that I’m OK. Thoughts??
Tom
Tish Farrell, Another Field, GB says
I find I can let go my chronic anxiety in a situation where there is a sense of comradeship/fellow feeling, even when (or perhaps particularly when) it is sensed among passing strangers and not only with people one knows well.
Maureen Puddle, Other, AU says
Prayer and putting my Trust in a good God, plus checking the facts.
Jude Miller, Psychotherapy, Scottsdale, AZ, USA says
Being in nature. Taking excellent care of basic needs, such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Staying away from toxic conversations.