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.
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.
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
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.
Sometimes I say to myself “We are all one”.
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.
Awareness
Supportive human connection has helped my clients more than anything else the last 2 years. Thank you for this training.
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.
Passion to do the thing…and allowing it to be there
Breathing meditation and praying.
Recognizing the truth of impermanence, especially when reinforced by sitting with the cosmic mudra during zazen.
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
Prayer, my Christian beliefs.
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 🙂
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
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.
Guided meditations, embodiment, parts work. Thank you!
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.
Bow to fear, listen respectfully, then not so what she says. Unless a tiger is chasing you.
Feeling someone knows how I feel, and cares. This more than any of the other helpful techniques and practices.
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.
Safe space & knowing they aren’t going to drown from the waves
Attend a 12 step program, meditate, any outdoor activity
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
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. 🙏🏽
taking time to think about the situation, and also having someone to talk to
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
Blessings my Friend
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.
Connect to inner infinity ♾️ connection
safer inner child
aligning with spiritual wisdom early in the morning so I can carry a vision of peace with me throughout the day
self acceptance
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. 💖
Meditation, music, walking, exercise, eating properly, proper sleeping, keeping busy, socializing with friends, talking to someone
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.
Talking it through and taking action
Breathing and taking things slow.
grounding in the body
Exercise, especially qi qong; sharing with a friend who will listen without judgement.
Visualizing a space, a refuge, where I am safe, healthy, happy, and at peace.
mostly l have over come fear
Kind, curious and coragious presence
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.
Just doing it despite of the fear.
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
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.
Prayer and putting my Trust in a good God, plus checking the facts.
Being in nature. Taking excellent care of basic needs, such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Staying away from toxic conversations.