By practicing mindfulness, seeing fear come and go as clouds and not clinging onto fear,to listen to the story, but not be identified with it.Important thing to remember is one is trying not to get rid off any states, but to face it in the eye.
Mindfulness, and recognizing that one is OK
(recognizing/achieving perhaps with some calm with slow, deep breathing),
and maybe saying to oneself “I am (inhale)…OK(exhale)” –
that one will be OK ongoing, and allowing the understanding of what is it at bottom, bringing up this fear/anxiety
What helps to become more aware of the fear is deep breathing gently and feeling the body. If I think of fear as simply energy moving through like the wave in the water or a could in the sky and just feel it, allow it to be here then it moves. I might say to it: “It’s okay for you to be here”.
I am not sure what helps me face fear! I realize that avoidance maybe part of that but at this time in my life I am retired and I can pick and choose where I go and who I interact with.
Using affirmations to chant my own strength and courage.
Thinking of & feeling compassion for others who work through fear.
Creating a powerful focus image to think of during fearful times.
Writing them down, review my thoughts and check if they belong to the past or future and also if I’m in the middle of feeling a lot of vulnerability ….. among other things
Stopping, breathing, and realizing I have the strength, ability and support to deal with whatever fear I encounter. Knowing you’re not alone and trusting in yourself is key.
Feeling in safe, physical contact/presence with others. Being guided/accompanied while feeling into body/emotions, and helped to feel in with compassion and love, as the wave of static/chaos/fear/repulsion presents. Encouragement and affirmation that this experience is okay/I am okay, WHILE the frightening/dysregulating experience is happening.
Thank You! You mentioned that the VP started mindfulness before meetings, and then scanning his body to recognize the location of his fear, and practiced even accepting and loving his fear! That helps me. I will do this today before two meetings!!! Blessings to everyone there.
David Davila, Another Field, Cedar Park, TX, USAsays
Extremely relevant , I have been closely living with fear daily , even unto the night by visual , emotional and relational experience. Long story short , very short . Oldest daughter has battled with Anorexia since 15 years old . In and out of treatment centers , hospitals , therapists , psychiatrists and so forth . Severe and traumatic near death times . Improvement in health then the steady downward spiral although all support and help provided . As a young adult we often lived in different places . She managed , worked and yet seemed disconnected from her self and others . The years went on and on and anorexia journeyed with her , managed and then not . She is 45 years old now . I am 71 retired . 5 years ago we happen to live near each other in the same city . Over two years ago due to issues financial and health I agreed to live in a nice home her younger sister arranged . She can’t seem to live independently or in a relationship . So fir these two or so years I’ve experienced in a vivid , quiet and yet somewhat eerily atmosphere . Her health to put it mildly was up and down as she tried to work and manage which also included her two sisters support . A generational baton had been passed . My daughter , sister , has entered into what the medical field calls last stage ( not another phrase for terminal ) . Quite critical in ways , high at risk . Reseeding the body and brain is the primary healing path . Takes months to re feed one’s unhealthy brain . Once quite intelligent she has the signs of a damaged or sick brain along with her malnourished body . She’s been much lighter in weight years ago but this time is sadly different as she has changed so much in ways and outlook . My days and nights have seen and felt this . As Tara said , fear , with me running with habitual anxiety to often . I realize the flight , the freeze and the fight . Often mishandling it all but never sinking completely but just using my learned survival skills that I’ve acquired from this life . A roller coaster is no place to live .
My daily practice sitting has help me the most! I also Chant and I have a good way of saying to fear lets make a date 3 days out to ask it what it wants from me. And now with the info of asking in the moment is now what I will do.
Drawing, writing, feeling it (the fear); ground myself through yoga or physical activity outside in nature; face fear fairly early in the day but put it away in the evening; give it a limited window of opportunity to dialogue with it; then get on with the rest of life; let it have its say but then put it in perspective in a larger whole, engage in passionate interests outside of and not dictated by the fear; stop ruminating and enjoy living. Breathe deeply, connect with the body. Feel my strength / resources in order to balance out the fear by coming back to center.
Hi Ali, thanks for that. It really strikes a cord with me in many parts. Best to face fear in the morning, take it out, examine it put it in perspective and know it. And definitely best to put it away for the rest of the day-especially at night. Also, to connect with the body through nature-walking outside, doing Tai Chi, breathing exercises or yoga. It helps find perspective, know your own self worth and feel the joy of living.
Taking time out to be warm and friendly with my fears, exploring how they subconsciously drive me mostly negatively. Also appreciating that I have been given these amazing insights.
Journaling my thoughts, coming home to my body, creating art, being in nature (specifically around or in water) and remembering that everything passes, sharing space with loved ones.
The newest way i deal with my own fear is as soon as I notice it I name it, then I breath and clear my mind by kindly reminding myself to, “ stop the stories”. From that point I can usually regain my equilibrium.
Mary Jane Shipley, Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USAsays
Experiencing the value of fear allows my fear to be a friend. When fear is seen as an ally, I can respond to this moment. Thank you for your wise words Tara.
what helps me face fear is bing in the present moment, being in presence of people who love and understand me, having a trusted support group of a small circle of people, sharing the dharma.
Steven JP Dionne NH Ski Instructor
Having fully retired recently, has allowed the time to return to coaching and ski mentoring… whether teaching the public, mentoring other instructors or coaching aspiring young competitors… the first question is always how the athete is feeling on the particular day… two words most often heard, ”nervous or fearful”… as you can imagine those feelings and thoughts only offer mental friction inhibiting the learning process… the more effectively I’m able to dissolve the inhibitors the more successful the athlete will be in achieving the commencement of skill building… happening upon your site, seemed a natural progression and compliment to having just finished a book ”The Talent Code” D Coyle.
I usually acknowledge the fear and label it oh there is my fear of abandonment. I sit with the fear and offer live to that part of me that is so fearful
I am new to practicing mindfulness and facing my fears that are holding me back from living life to its fullest, in the most open and loving way. I hope to continue accepting myself as I am, allowing all emotions to be present instead of pushing them away.
knowing that it’s normal to feel fear and that there is nothing wrong with oneself. knowing that feeling fear will not “kill” us, fear is not dangerous.
acknowledging the fear, without feeling bad about being fearful, or crazy to have fears, or that it’s one’s own fault and shouldn’t be such a coward. Most people don’t like to admit they are afraid, or aren’t even conscious that they are afraid
Understanding what their thoughts are in their moments of fear and anxiety.
Understanding what their fears are teaching them.
Knowing they are more than their fears (sometimes).
As a child I was brought up in a restricted atmosphere where choices were made for me- I realise now that I developed anxiety around perfecting performance and fear of failure. When Tara invited to go below the neck it was like an ‘’ah’ moment – a glimmer into the door of mindfulness.
Making fear more explicit. Asking the uncomfortable question: what is the worse thing that can happen (in this situation)? How would you feel if this really happened? What options would you have?
So, describing the worst case scenario usually helps me and my clients realise that what we are facing is less dramatic than it seems and that we can cope, because we put our fear “out there” .
I usually just walk right into situations that I fear. Shut out thought and walk in. Right now I’m struggling with the fact that as I age I may lose my independence. I am trying to enjoy my current independence so I face the inevitable more gracefully. Thank you
thank you Tara. the part where you say that it makes us larger, and then because of that fear is like a wave in an ocean. and that when we are larger, we can access and be led by our better more expansive qualities. that is -to borrow your expression! -GOLD!!
By practicing mindfulness, seeing fear come and go as clouds and not clinging onto fear,to listen to the story, but not be identified with it.Important thing to remember is one is trying not to get rid off any states, but to face it in the eye.
Mindfulness, and recognizing that one is OK
(recognizing/achieving perhaps with some calm with slow, deep breathing),
and maybe saying to oneself “I am (inhale)…OK(exhale)” –
that one will be OK ongoing, and allowing the understanding of what is it at bottom, bringing up this fear/anxiety
What helps to become more aware of the fear is deep breathing gently and feeling the body. If I think of fear as simply energy moving through like the wave in the water or a could in the sky and just feel it, allow it to be here then it moves. I might say to it: “It’s okay for you to be here”.
It’s to hold it dearly, embracing it with understanding, loving kindness and compassion.
Thank You so much, Tara!
Deep understanding of the source of the fear.
I am not sure what helps me face fear! I realize that avoidance maybe part of that but at this time in my life I am retired and I can pick and choose where I go and who I interact with.
Using affirmations to chant my own strength and courage.
Thinking of & feeling compassion for others who work through fear.
Creating a powerful focus image to think of during fearful times.
confidence and peace of mind
Writing them down, review my thoughts and check if they belong to the past or future and also if I’m in the middle of feeling a lot of vulnerability ….. among other things
Stopping, breathing, and realizing I have the strength, ability and support to deal with whatever fear I encounter. Knowing you’re not alone and trusting in yourself is key.
Breathing and guided meditation
Feeling in safe, physical contact/presence with others. Being guided/accompanied while feeling into body/emotions, and helped to feel in with compassion and love, as the wave of static/chaos/fear/repulsion presents. Encouragement and affirmation that this experience is okay/I am okay, WHILE the frightening/dysregulating experience is happening.
Thank You! You mentioned that the VP started mindfulness before meetings, and then scanning his body to recognize the location of his fear, and practiced even accepting and loving his fear! That helps me. I will do this today before two meetings!!! Blessings to everyone there.
Extremely relevant , I have been closely living with fear daily , even unto the night by visual , emotional and relational experience. Long story short , very short . Oldest daughter has battled with Anorexia since 15 years old . In and out of treatment centers , hospitals , therapists , psychiatrists and so forth . Severe and traumatic near death times . Improvement in health then the steady downward spiral although all support and help provided . As a young adult we often lived in different places . She managed , worked and yet seemed disconnected from her self and others . The years went on and on and anorexia journeyed with her , managed and then not . She is 45 years old now . I am 71 retired . 5 years ago we happen to live near each other in the same city . Over two years ago due to issues financial and health I agreed to live in a nice home her younger sister arranged . She can’t seem to live independently or in a relationship . So fir these two or so years I’ve experienced in a vivid , quiet and yet somewhat eerily atmosphere . Her health to put it mildly was up and down as she tried to work and manage which also included her two sisters support . A generational baton had been passed . My daughter , sister , has entered into what the medical field calls last stage ( not another phrase for terminal ) . Quite critical in ways , high at risk . Reseeding the body and brain is the primary healing path . Takes months to re feed one’s unhealthy brain . Once quite intelligent she has the signs of a damaged or sick brain along with her malnourished body . She’s been much lighter in weight years ago but this time is sadly different as she has changed so much in ways and outlook . My days and nights have seen and felt this . As Tara said , fear , with me running with habitual anxiety to often . I realize the flight , the freeze and the fight . Often mishandling it all but never sinking completely but just using my learned survival skills that I’ve acquired from this life . A roller coaster is no place to live .
My daily practice sitting has help me the most! I also Chant and I have a good way of saying to fear lets make a date 3 days out to ask it what it wants from me. And now with the info of asking in the moment is now what I will do.
Drawing, writing, feeling it (the fear); ground myself through yoga or physical activity outside in nature; face fear fairly early in the day but put it away in the evening; give it a limited window of opportunity to dialogue with it; then get on with the rest of life; let it have its say but then put it in perspective in a larger whole, engage in passionate interests outside of and not dictated by the fear; stop ruminating and enjoy living. Breathe deeply, connect with the body. Feel my strength / resources in order to balance out the fear by coming back to center.
Hi Ali, thanks for that. It really strikes a cord with me in many parts. Best to face fear in the morning, take it out, examine it put it in perspective and know it. And definitely best to put it away for the rest of the day-especially at night. Also, to connect with the body through nature-walking outside, doing Tai Chi, breathing exercises or yoga. It helps find perspective, know your own self worth and feel the joy of living.
Taking time out to be warm and friendly with my fears, exploring how they subconsciously drive me mostly negatively. Also appreciating that I have been given these amazing insights.
Journaling my thoughts, coming home to my body, creating art, being in nature (specifically around or in water) and remembering that everything passes, sharing space with loved ones.
Inhaling into deep blue pure mind visualization and Exhaling out with a gentle green heart.
Centering and mindfulness daily meditation
Sports, movement ( relaxed, „Safe“ Body experience), a good relationship where you can talk or just be with, doing things you like
The newest way i deal with my own fear is as soon as I notice it I name it, then I breath and clear my mind by kindly reminding myself to, “ stop the stories”. From that point I can usually regain my equilibrium.
Experiencing the value of fear allows my fear to be a friend. When fear is seen as an ally, I can respond to this moment. Thank you for your wise words Tara.
Curiosity.
what helps me face fear is bing in the present moment, being in presence of people who love and understand me, having a trusted support group of a small circle of people, sharing the dharma.
Steven JP Dionne NH Ski Instructor
Having fully retired recently, has allowed the time to return to coaching and ski mentoring… whether teaching the public, mentoring other instructors or coaching aspiring young competitors… the first question is always how the athete is feeling on the particular day… two words most often heard, ”nervous or fearful”… as you can imagine those feelings and thoughts only offer mental friction inhibiting the learning process… the more effectively I’m able to dissolve the inhibitors the more successful the athlete will be in achieving the commencement of skill building… happening upon your site, seemed a natural progression and compliment to having just finished a book ”The Talent Code” D Coyle.
\facing fear through mindfulness-even just after listening to the lesson above,
Connects me with quieter breath,and evokes compassion.
first of all : to recognize it because I often don’t understand or feel that I’m afraid when I’m angry
Practising sensorimotor techniques and visualisation; creating a plan for ways to feel safe.
Practising sensorimotor techniques and visualisation; creating a plan for ways to feel safe.
reading the newspaper about the wars and other horrors makes me put my worries into perspetive.
I try to talk myself out of my worry – try to make myself see that it is my obsessive thinking patterns at work.
I usually acknowledge the fear and label it oh there is my fear of abandonment. I sit with the fear and offer live to that part of me that is so fearful
transformed my fear into love ♡
I am new to practicing mindfulness and facing my fears that are holding me back from living life to its fullest, in the most open and loving way. I hope to continue accepting myself as I am, allowing all emotions to be present instead of pushing them away.
Personally, facing my fears has helped me discover me.
by simply recognizing fear, and I am grateful that with your help I managed to admit my fears
My Faith with the promise of a Paradise in the hereafter!
knowing that it’s normal to feel fear and that there is nothing wrong with oneself. knowing that feeling fear will not “kill” us, fear is not dangerous.
acknowledging the fear, without feeling bad about being fearful, or crazy to have fears, or that it’s one’s own fault and shouldn’t be such a coward. Most people don’t like to admit they are afraid, or aren’t even conscious that they are afraid
Fear of the inevitable change..
Knowing I’ve faced them before and come through the other side. Inner knowing and compassion
been aware that you have a fear in a certain area and working on that fear
Understanding what their thoughts are in their moments of fear and anxiety.
Understanding what their fears are teaching them.
Knowing they are more than their fears (sometimes).
As a child I was brought up in a restricted atmosphere where choices were made for me- I realise now that I developed anxiety around perfecting performance and fear of failure. When Tara invited to go below the neck it was like an ‘’ah’ moment – a glimmer into the door of mindfulness.
Making fear more explicit. Asking the uncomfortable question: what is the worse thing that can happen (in this situation)? How would you feel if this really happened? What options would you have?
So, describing the worst case scenario usually helps me and my clients realise that what we are facing is less dramatic than it seems and that we can cope, because we put our fear “out there” .
I usually just walk right into situations that I fear. Shut out thought and walk in. Right now I’m struggling with the fact that as I age I may lose my independence. I am trying to enjoy my current independence so I face the inevitable more gracefully. Thank you
Very nice presentation.
Meditation helps, and being with my therapist who I feel safe with makes it easier to face the fear.
thank you Tara. the part where you say that it makes us larger, and then because of that fear is like a wave in an ocean. and that when we are larger, we can access and be led by our better more expansive qualities. that is -to borrow your expression! -GOLD!!
Still looking