There are several things that help me face my fear instead of freezing or fleeing. One is Tara’s RAIN practice. Another is cultivating faith in a higher power(s), accepting my own human limitations, doing my best within reason, and trusting I’ll be able to handle whatever the outcome is. Sometimes I just have to outlast my fear. Let it be until my higher, more enlightened self surfaces again. And it will. Also, I have meditation and addiction recovery communities and I know I’m not alone. One last one: I recall the times I’ve overcome challenges and remind myself fear need overwhelm me. Thank you for this question!
Thank you Tara for generously offering this free resource, I really appreciate your loving heart and good work. How I deal with fear is meditation, breathing, prayer. self compassion and raising my self awareness, being present with my fear, serving others. I also find solitude and get closer to nature is very healing.
I’ve had a fear of having a blood test for all my life. I always give myself a ‘pep’ talk – don’t be silly it doesn’t hurt, you’re being a baby etc. After listening to a talk about fear I realised that I had never allowed the fear to be there. The next time I was waiting to have a blood test I really felt into the fear- the clutch in my stomach and all the other anxious feelings. I told myself that it’s okay to feel fear. I just sat with them and after a while they passed and I felt calm.
As much as possible I allow to be and to be the watcher. Learning to move from the fight flight freeze mode takes time and it is only through being mindful and learning to love myself and be very kind to myself, that I can move from being fearful especially at the moment because I live with immense chronic pain. I love listening to all of Tara’s meditations and discourses and these really help me. 🙏
I live with Fibromyalgia and I have come to realize that my childhood trauma is linked to my Fibro. My fears, anxiety, are linked to my trauma, which is linked to the pain. It is all intertwined and connected. I have been facing my fears through therapy, and I believe that I can cure my fibro by rebuilding my neuro-network. I was accidentally triggered by my husband, and because I was conscious of my mind-body connection, I was able to link the exact emotion to the exact pain/bodily response. It is remarkable how the CNS protects you. How your “beast” protects you. Thank you for this video, as I will be eagerly consuming more.-LC
well Tara, excuse my grammar and apologies,
just out of second knee surgery and third week in recovery and it not easy
I have suffered from chronic anxiety since i was very young
and now am 70 years old,
I only went on medication for it in my thirties and gained weight
and stopped,
but the relaxation in my body was so wonderful
but in my time god forbid you got fat
I was a health instructor and about to head for divorce from my first husband.18 yrs old. left for Israel three years later;
I believe the trauma at birth, my mother marrying a non-Jew, in those days
no medicare, and ostracized from her nine children family and parents
who sat shiva for her, because she did, and was not a virgin when she had
me in her belly,
she had a brother who died and suffered for three years from leukemia
my fathers favourite, and a 9-year-old in the house, that once was a home
I was six months, and my mother had to work while my father could not move from a chair, that is how the anxiety started. for me inside my mother;s
the womb; and as a very awake soul took on the pain and suffering no one
could bear to talk about, in those days,
By three years old I was caretaking for my grieving Dad and my thumb had
shrunk from sucking it so hard, My mothers family finally lost their
arrogance and false pride and tried to help us get through what was a
the time where the pain]
if talked about. as an alright affair, and also remembered and the joy my brother brought to the family, and cousins and everyone could open to their grief it may have not!
landed on this three-year-old { me} who could sense all the pain that was not
spoken out, instead, the mind let the body win and I became the sponge
I grew up hyper, out of my body most of the time but very in tune
with others problems and found that being a caretaker was a way of getting
strokes and acceptance, but little did I know what was building in my
unconscious,
by 29 I had some serious illness where I had to do biofeedback
for anxiety and would not take pills and drugs,
but would lose sight of peoples heads; on buses and in cars next to me
or, would have to run for miles in the early hours of the morning to calm down
the racing heart or get physically sick and contemplate suicide
Cried a lot and knew depression was with me but could shift easily if near
someone with a problem, and then I could become calm and safe
for someone else,
there is much more but for sake of this short time-space at 43 went on
Prozac while in therapy, and feel it was the biggest mistake ever,
developed many different personas and during college was a great actress
in any given situation, to cover the fear of people knowing how much pain
was inside,
I was a good worker and worked a lot to not feel the sorrow of my mother
father and sister, I carried for the family
in short, by 39 two marriages gone, I had met a wonderful therapist
one in the three who all helped me to piece together it took 15 years
and it cost, but was worth it, to find a true self, who now can be aware
of myself and know when I am in a role, an when its safe to be vulnerable
which is very discerning thing,
I worked with famous healers, {one marriage that was willing to help}
and I meditated from the age of 28 which of all the therapies I have
done and done thoroughly and made it my real work inside daily
as I lived in this insane culture even more now, I came to a place where
i could handle my own panic attacks, and now at age 70 about to marry
after spending 25 years alone with work and healing and lots of homeopathic remedies, and someone who has left the body now, Ishwar Puri, a wonderful teacher of just how to be human and follow a path that has comforted me when
I sit for meditation and helped me to heal so much insanity,
and, groups, and healers who had integrity and sincerity, I cried a lot
and perhaps might have developed cancer if I had not grieved
I can say,
I finally met the man I am spending my last stretch with, and still sometimes cry when faced with lots of new changes, but I am not embarrassed.
nor do I
feel nuts. anymore!!!!!!, in his process, I have been able to help others who just
show up and if it needed we talk,
I do not take on their stuff, but I could offer to be a good listener, and am empathic, and do not judge, but always have a phone no, for them to call for help.
My ego used to like the power of being able to see through their mask;
then.
in time as I grew and understood what true humility feels like I let go of the
the role that was feeding a weak ego. that too is changing
one last thing I do not know if drugs helped my intense life but I regret
starting them in my forties and spending this long on Bromazapines and
Prozac with thee or four attempts to go cold turkey, my doctors
are now finally taking me off Prozac and the Benzoes slowly, and that will
be an interesting challenge with my ego and all that I have learned
I will end here by saying that anxiety depression and an insane culture such as ours is more now than ever before, can be such a difficult time for those who
really want to get good help.
it was only when I accepted my illness and embraced what it taught me
and was tender, and gentle and not filled with self hatred while the panic
came up.that I could carry it and give my body and soul the love it needed
at the moment, no matter where I was, and it can always happen.
my deepest fear was that it can resurface, but now with love and I am not
talking about bubble gum love, but get quiet enough and access my inner
guides or higher self with mindfulness see why and allow what needed to
come up come, then I can work to come back into that peaceful place,
no matter who is watching, it does not matter what others think (at this age
anymore) a late bloomer,, took me long enough, but I offer so many heartfelt thoughts
to those who want to try and do not allow anyone to bully you, for what is
not right for you. take the chances, and learn from them but know that
with faith, there is a way to use this illness for creativity and to get close to
the most important part of your being, Your Sacred Self, and keep watching someone like Tara this woman exudes tenderness,and smarts,
Sincerely,
Nina in Montreal Canada
Exercise regularly helps me be more positive and energetic. At the same time I can find the courage to look at myself and accept me and live me with all my good and not so good traits. The hard thing to do for me is to notice I am sliding away stop and take action. I have a hard time being consistent ….and i do not seem to get an automatic reset.
Forgiving myself for not trusting higher power
Sometimes walking away, as a way of setting boundaries, until I am far enough away to safely look again
Comforting myself, reminding myself I am safe
Journalling helps me. I talk to myself and ask myself questions that I would like a kind parent to ask me. So I find my inner parent, and ask my scared parts ‘How are you feeling ? What are you thinking ? Tell me about your fear ? How can I help ?’ and I journal the answers. Then my scared young parts feel held by my inner parent. Sometimes I lie down and ground myself by feeling legs and feet, then I go to the place the fear is in my body and say ‘you are welcome to be here, I am listening and feeling you’ and open to it. It tends to dissipate if I really open to it and sometimes the fear turns into love ! I also go to the river or the sea and swim in the cold water, most days of the year. This has helped alot. Guided Meditations recordings help too. So many things help. It still arises, the fear and panic, but I feel more confident in managing it and supporting myself through it. I am learning to parent myself.
Very helpful video. I only recently realized how much fear has ruled my life and decision making, and I feel a lot of regret and unhappiness about it, because I can’t go back and fix it now. I am aware that fear is at the bottom of all wrong motives and acts. I don’t really know how to keep it at bay, though, other than to distract myself…I’m aware that I feel fear, but I don’t know how to allay it.
I know I’m hyper vigilant in regards to being excluded and it is due to a hx of severe abuse. When I recognize it the fear is overwhelming. I attempt to step away and deny it. I don’t always do such a good job. I will start trying to breathe into it and look at the fear in the face and attempt to accept it. I work in a hospital and I recognize when pts react that way.
Complete acceptance and non judgement has changed the grip fear has on me.
Before I used to feel I had failed and was weak to feel fear. Now I embrace it with kindness.
Thank you so much Tara.
Your teachings have helped me make this radical change……Ilana🙏
Tara, you made meditation accessible for millions. Since I’ve known of you I have supported your work. I am bound up by fear. For years I worked on my depression but it’s anxiety that keeps me from walking out the door every day. From having friends or being social.
What you and your fellow teachers are doing now is so helpful and hopeful. The abuse and terror are locked inside me. But I know it’s running from the fear inside. It’s HRV and vagal tone and TRE and so much more that’s coming together through your new alliances. Namaste’.
What helps me let go of fear is to surrender to the infinite power of the universe who loves me and all of mankind. It’s trusting that my|our highest and best is being served at all times. To accept that we as a species are out of balance and that the natural order of things will will create balance in the most loving way possible and that I am not capable of judging.
I suffer from health anxiety and find it very difficult to stay in the moment and not Leap head Into the what if category I would hope that facing my fears and just staying in the moment will help to eventually reprogram the negative groove that I have created by over reacting to any health symptom or sensation
I start with asking myself why am I fearful. I look at the answer and try to study it..I try to stay present n the moment and tell myself it will all be okay. That works for a while. However, I tend to let the fear have power again. I forget to stay present with it and I forget to give myself positive comments. I don’t know why I do this… This is what I feel I need to work on now.
The main way is to pause, what Pera Chodren call “chempa”. Pause, then go within and sit with the fear. Remembering to pause is a seemingly small moment, but makes a big difference.
I find that what helps me face my fear (i.e. anxiety) is Yoga! Stretching, breathing, taking time for myself. Also, making myself connect with people I love (I withdraw and just want to be alone). I get depressed from grief and loss and it seems to turn into anxiety which I don’t really understand but I feel afraid I’ll lose everyone and be left alone.
I like to travel and go to countries where fear is less prevalent culturally. Where people feel more calm and don’t think f the future as often. It works wonders, I immediately feel also more calm and have less worries.
At the moment I am having some problems with my health.
For every treatment or research that is done to my body, I use Buddha’s explanation of The Second Arrow which I found in your latest book ‘Trusting the Gold ”
I tell my self that its ok to have fear and that helps.
Here’s the short story; I’ve been having back problems, real back pain since my dear brothers passing. I was depressed, sad and grieving. I had fear that if I moved too much my back would hurt more.
I’d begun noticing that my back didn’t bother as much when I was with friends.
One friend introduced me to “mindfulness meditation “ and this has helped me tremendously. I’m still in training with meditation but there was one session in particular where you directed me to focus on where my discomfort was and see how much of an area it took up in my body and by the time I found that area, my discomfort had subsided.
So my fear and grieving was in my back. For the love of friends and my daughter continuing to tell me that self care is not selfish I’ve been finding my way past the fear.
I live surrounded by woods, the sea, and the beach with it rocks and sand. When I feel fearful, I look outside and remind myself that no matter what I feel right now, Mother Nature will continue to be there, doing her thing, long after whatever I am experiencing is occupying my mind and body right now. This is a calming thought and puts things into perspective for me.
I find it helpful to breathe slowly and acknowledge any fears. I have been practicing mindful meditation for many years and find clarity in staying more in the present moment and allowing past thoughts to float on by.
Often, when I’m faced with a challenging life problem (usually financial), my fear attacks me in the middle of the night. It always involves negative self-image and terror of making a disastrous decision. The method that has made a difference in my life has been to simply focus continuously on what I am physically feeling at each moment. I think of it as riding the storm out with open awareness. It has helped so much. I have fewer of these attacks, but more helpful is to feel less fear of fear, if that makes sense.
Aging has allowed me to face more fear. Growing into myself, seeing patterns of action in my life, acknowledging that I have experienced quite a bit and managed to survive and ultimately thrive. I have some regret for not facing fear earlier in my life, but I am choosing to focus on my present and let go of my past.
F..eel
E..nergy
A..llow
R..elease
There are several things that help me face my fear instead of freezing or fleeing. One is Tara’s RAIN practice. Another is cultivating faith in a higher power(s), accepting my own human limitations, doing my best within reason, and trusting I’ll be able to handle whatever the outcome is. Sometimes I just have to outlast my fear. Let it be until my higher, more enlightened self surfaces again. And it will. Also, I have meditation and addiction recovery communities and I know I’m not alone. One last one: I recall the times I’ve overcome challenges and remind myself fear need overwhelm me. Thank you for this question!
Safety and connection.
Learning from past experiences and trying to live in the here and now more, one day at a time.
Thank you Tara for generously offering this free resource, I really appreciate your loving heart and good work. How I deal with fear is meditation, breathing, prayer. self compassion and raising my self awareness, being present with my fear, serving others. I also find solitude and get closer to nature is very healing.
What helps face fear?
Looking back at what has been overcome in the past through faith and persistence.
I’ve had a fear of having a blood test for all my life. I always give myself a ‘pep’ talk – don’t be silly it doesn’t hurt, you’re being a baby etc. After listening to a talk about fear I realised that I had never allowed the fear to be there. The next time I was waiting to have a blood test I really felt into the fear- the clutch in my stomach and all the other anxious feelings. I told myself that it’s okay to feel fear. I just sat with them and after a while they passed and I felt calm.
As much as possible I allow to be and to be the watcher. Learning to move from the fight flight freeze mode takes time and it is only through being mindful and learning to love myself and be very kind to myself, that I can move from being fearful especially at the moment because I live with immense chronic pain. I love listening to all of Tara’s meditations and discourses and these really help me. 🙏
My creative spirit gets tangled up
I need someone to help me find a way out of claustrophobic feelings. Like showing me the spaces where I can go to.
Daily meditation and reaching out to others. Paying attention to self care & kindness. Allowing feelings. Writing.
I live with Fibromyalgia and I have come to realize that my childhood trauma is linked to my Fibro. My fears, anxiety, are linked to my trauma, which is linked to the pain. It is all intertwined and connected. I have been facing my fears through therapy, and I believe that I can cure my fibro by rebuilding my neuro-network. I was accidentally triggered by my husband, and because I was conscious of my mind-body connection, I was able to link the exact emotion to the exact pain/bodily response. It is remarkable how the CNS protects you. How your “beast” protects you. Thank you for this video, as I will be eagerly consuming more.-LC
well Tara, excuse my grammar and apologies,
just out of second knee surgery and third week in recovery and it not easy
I have suffered from chronic anxiety since i was very young
and now am 70 years old,
I only went on medication for it in my thirties and gained weight
and stopped,
but the relaxation in my body was so wonderful
but in my time god forbid you got fat
I was a health instructor and about to head for divorce from my first husband.18 yrs old. left for Israel three years later;
I believe the trauma at birth, my mother marrying a non-Jew, in those days
no medicare, and ostracized from her nine children family and parents
who sat shiva for her, because she did, and was not a virgin when she had
me in her belly,
she had a brother who died and suffered for three years from leukemia
my fathers favourite, and a 9-year-old in the house, that once was a home
I was six months, and my mother had to work while my father could not move from a chair, that is how the anxiety started. for me inside my mother;s
the womb; and as a very awake soul took on the pain and suffering no one
could bear to talk about, in those days,
By three years old I was caretaking for my grieving Dad and my thumb had
shrunk from sucking it so hard, My mothers family finally lost their
arrogance and false pride and tried to help us get through what was a
the time where the pain]
if talked about. as an alright affair, and also remembered and the joy my brother brought to the family, and cousins and everyone could open to their grief it may have not!
landed on this three-year-old { me} who could sense all the pain that was not
spoken out, instead, the mind let the body win and I became the sponge
I grew up hyper, out of my body most of the time but very in tune
with others problems and found that being a caretaker was a way of getting
strokes and acceptance, but little did I know what was building in my
unconscious,
by 29 I had some serious illness where I had to do biofeedback
for anxiety and would not take pills and drugs,
but would lose sight of peoples heads; on buses and in cars next to me
or, would have to run for miles in the early hours of the morning to calm down
the racing heart or get physically sick and contemplate suicide
Cried a lot and knew depression was with me but could shift easily if near
someone with a problem, and then I could become calm and safe
for someone else,
there is much more but for sake of this short time-space at 43 went on
Prozac while in therapy, and feel it was the biggest mistake ever,
developed many different personas and during college was a great actress
in any given situation, to cover the fear of people knowing how much pain
was inside,
I was a good worker and worked a lot to not feel the sorrow of my mother
father and sister, I carried for the family
in short, by 39 two marriages gone, I had met a wonderful therapist
one in the three who all helped me to piece together it took 15 years
and it cost, but was worth it, to find a true self, who now can be aware
of myself and know when I am in a role, an when its safe to be vulnerable
which is very discerning thing,
I worked with famous healers, {one marriage that was willing to help}
and I meditated from the age of 28 which of all the therapies I have
done and done thoroughly and made it my real work inside daily
as I lived in this insane culture even more now, I came to a place where
i could handle my own panic attacks, and now at age 70 about to marry
after spending 25 years alone with work and healing and lots of homeopathic remedies, and someone who has left the body now, Ishwar Puri, a wonderful teacher of just how to be human and follow a path that has comforted me when
I sit for meditation and helped me to heal so much insanity,
and, groups, and healers who had integrity and sincerity, I cried a lot
and perhaps might have developed cancer if I had not grieved
I can say,
I finally met the man I am spending my last stretch with, and still sometimes cry when faced with lots of new changes, but I am not embarrassed.
nor do I
feel nuts. anymore!!!!!!, in his process, I have been able to help others who just
show up and if it needed we talk,
I do not take on their stuff, but I could offer to be a good listener, and am empathic, and do not judge, but always have a phone no, for them to call for help.
My ego used to like the power of being able to see through their mask;
then.
in time as I grew and understood what true humility feels like I let go of the
the role that was feeding a weak ego. that too is changing
one last thing I do not know if drugs helped my intense life but I regret
starting them in my forties and spending this long on Bromazapines and
Prozac with thee or four attempts to go cold turkey, my doctors
are now finally taking me off Prozac and the Benzoes slowly, and that will
be an interesting challenge with my ego and all that I have learned
I will end here by saying that anxiety depression and an insane culture such as ours is more now than ever before, can be such a difficult time for those who
really want to get good help.
it was only when I accepted my illness and embraced what it taught me
and was tender, and gentle and not filled with self hatred while the panic
came up.that I could carry it and give my body and soul the love it needed
at the moment, no matter where I was, and it can always happen.
my deepest fear was that it can resurface, but now with love and I am not
talking about bubble gum love, but get quiet enough and access my inner
guides or higher self with mindfulness see why and allow what needed to
come up come, then I can work to come back into that peaceful place,
no matter who is watching, it does not matter what others think (at this age
anymore) a late bloomer,, took me long enough, but I offer so many heartfelt thoughts
to those who want to try and do not allow anyone to bully you, for what is
not right for you. take the chances, and learn from them but know that
with faith, there is a way to use this illness for creativity and to get close to
the most important part of your being, Your Sacred Self, and keep watching someone like Tara this woman exudes tenderness,and smarts,
Sincerely,
Nina in Montreal Canada
Ignorance is bliss,
thank you for this special video. what helps me is meditation, silence and contact with nature .
Stopping over thinking it distraction
Exercise regularly helps me be more positive and energetic. At the same time I can find the courage to look at myself and accept me and live me with all my good and not so good traits. The hard thing to do for me is to notice I am sliding away stop and take action. I have a hard time being consistent ….and i do not seem to get an automatic reset.
‘How did i change you’ talk that you did Tara reassures me that fear is not the end if the story – good things can emerge from hard times
Forgiving myself for not trusting higher power
Sometimes walking away, as a way of setting boundaries, until I am far enough away to safely look again
Comforting myself, reminding myself I am safe
Journalling helps me. I talk to myself and ask myself questions that I would like a kind parent to ask me. So I find my inner parent, and ask my scared parts ‘How are you feeling ? What are you thinking ? Tell me about your fear ? How can I help ?’ and I journal the answers. Then my scared young parts feel held by my inner parent. Sometimes I lie down and ground myself by feeling legs and feet, then I go to the place the fear is in my body and say ‘you are welcome to be here, I am listening and feeling you’ and open to it. It tends to dissipate if I really open to it and sometimes the fear turns into love ! I also go to the river or the sea and swim in the cold water, most days of the year. This has helped alot. Guided Meditations recordings help too. So many things help. It still arises, the fear and panic, but I feel more confident in managing it and supporting myself through it. I am learning to parent myself.
I am in such deep fear on so many levels.
I will center on my breath. . ..Thank You Dear One. Namaste
Very helpful video. I only recently realized how much fear has ruled my life and decision making, and I feel a lot of regret and unhappiness about it, because I can’t go back and fix it now. I am aware that fear is at the bottom of all wrong motives and acts. I don’t really know how to keep it at bay, though, other than to distract myself…I’m aware that I feel fear, but I don’t know how to allay it.
I know I’m hyper vigilant in regards to being excluded and it is due to a hx of severe abuse. When I recognize it the fear is overwhelming. I attempt to step away and deny it. I don’t always do such a good job. I will start trying to breathe into it and look at the fear in the face and attempt to accept it. I work in a hospital and I recognize when pts react that way.
I am in such deep fear on so many levels.
I will center on my breath. . ..Thank You Dear One.
Hallo from Sweden!
Deep breathing, understand whats happening that it is fear.
When I feel fear or anxiety I try to relax by focusing on my breathing as the anchor as I work to understand my thoughts and emotions.
Complete acceptance and non judgement has changed the grip fear has on me.
Before I used to feel I had failed and was weak to feel fear. Now I embrace it with kindness.
Thank you so much Tara.
Your teachings have helped me make this radical change……Ilana🙏
Tara, you made meditation accessible for millions. Since I’ve known of you I have supported your work. I am bound up by fear. For years I worked on my depression but it’s anxiety that keeps me from walking out the door every day. From having friends or being social.
What you and your fellow teachers are doing now is so helpful and hopeful. The abuse and terror are locked inside me. But I know it’s running from the fear inside. It’s HRV and vagal tone and TRE and so much more that’s coming together through your new alliances. Namaste’.
What helps me let go of fear is to surrender to the infinite power of the universe who loves me and all of mankind. It’s trusting that my|our highest and best is being served at all times. To accept that we as a species are out of balance and that the natural order of things will will create balance in the most loving way possible and that I am not capable of judging.
Peace and good health,
Sondra
I suffer from health anxiety and find it very difficult to stay in the moment and not Leap head Into the what if category I would hope that facing my fears and just staying in the moment will help to eventually reprogram the negative groove that I have created by over reacting to any health symptom or sensation
Focusing on my breath and my hands and feet. Being in the present moment
Deep breathing.
Getting out for a walk in nature.
Also talking to a close and trusted friend.
I start with asking myself why am I fearful. I look at the answer and try to study it..I try to stay present n the moment and tell myself it will all be okay. That works for a while. However, I tend to let the fear have power again. I forget to stay present with it and I forget to give myself positive comments. I don’t know why I do this… This is what I feel I need to work on now.
The main way is to pause, what Pera Chodren call “chempa”. Pause, then go within and sit with the fear. Remembering to pause is a seemingly small moment, but makes a big difference.
Sitting in contemplation, music, sunshine, breathing exercises, reframing my fears.
Facing the fear
I find that what helps me face my fear (i.e. anxiety) is Yoga! Stretching, breathing, taking time for myself. Also, making myself connect with people I love (I withdraw and just want to be alone). I get depressed from grief and loss and it seems to turn into anxiety which I don’t really understand but I feel afraid I’ll lose everyone and be left alone.
Self compassion
I like to travel and go to countries where fear is less prevalent culturally. Where people feel more calm and don’t think f the future as often. It works wonders, I immediately feel also more calm and have less worries.
Practising RAIN each day.
Exercise in Nature.
Tai Chi daily.
Facing the scenarios that may arise. But not brood on them. Just know you know them.
Focusing on the good & love in my life.
Trying to live for this day despite the fear that pulls me forward.
Being grateful for this living day.
I am so grateful to you Tara. You are special. x
At the moment I am having some problems with my health.
For every treatment or research that is done to my body, I use Buddha’s explanation of The Second Arrow which I found in your latest book ‘Trusting the Gold ”
I tell my self that its ok to have fear and that helps.
The expressive art process that brings awareness and insight.
How does one overcome health anxiety?
Here’s the short story; I’ve been having back problems, real back pain since my dear brothers passing. I was depressed, sad and grieving. I had fear that if I moved too much my back would hurt more.
I’d begun noticing that my back didn’t bother as much when I was with friends.
One friend introduced me to “mindfulness meditation “ and this has helped me tremendously. I’m still in training with meditation but there was one session in particular where you directed me to focus on where my discomfort was and see how much of an area it took up in my body and by the time I found that area, my discomfort had subsided.
So my fear and grieving was in my back. For the love of friends and my daughter continuing to tell me that self care is not selfish I’ve been finding my way past the fear.
I live surrounded by woods, the sea, and the beach with it rocks and sand. When I feel fearful, I look outside and remind myself that no matter what I feel right now, Mother Nature will continue to be there, doing her thing, long after whatever I am experiencing is occupying my mind and body right now. This is a calming thought and puts things into perspective for me.
Remaining calm and in the moment.
Breathing, walking and a short metta meditation
Prayer , asking God to give me courage and strength to face the moment or event
I find it helpful to breathe slowly and acknowledge any fears. I have been practicing mindful meditation for many years and find clarity in staying more in the present moment and allowing past thoughts to float on by.
Often, when I’m faced with a challenging life problem (usually financial), my fear attacks me in the middle of the night. It always involves negative self-image and terror of making a disastrous decision. The method that has made a difference in my life has been to simply focus continuously on what I am physically feeling at each moment. I think of it as riding the storm out with open awareness. It has helped so much. I have fewer of these attacks, but more helpful is to feel less fear of fear, if that makes sense.
Aging has allowed me to face more fear. Growing into myself, seeing patterns of action in my life, acknowledging that I have experienced quite a bit and managed to survive and ultimately thrive. I have some regret for not facing fear earlier in my life, but I am choosing to focus on my present and let go of my past.