5 Simple Steps to Cultivating Fearlessness
Fear is primarily a physiological mechanism caused by illusory perceptions. Fear is the belief that something outside of ourselves will cause us harm, usually in the future, based on the feeling of being in danger. It is usually an unpleasant emotional experience, often very intense and debilitating.Most fear is an unhealthy projection of the subconscious mind and must be transformed to fearlessness.
Transforming Fear
To end fear and are caused by it, you will need to retrain your body and mind. This is both a physical and emotional resetting, to clear old patterns and establish new healthy habits. A healthy mind may still experience fear when there is true danger, but it is capable of abiding in courage, peace, and equanimity most of the time.
Tips for Cultivating Fearlessness
1. Tips for Cultivating Fearlessness
1. AWARENESS and ACCEPTANCE: Recognize the situations that trigger fear and identify the ways you express that fear. (Make a list if possible). BE HONEST and admit your fears. According to this study, people who admitted a fear of spiders were less likely to be afraid of spiders in the future. Then observe yourself when you are experiencing those fears. See if you can step back from identifying with the fear, and simply watch the process. For example, instead of running the internal dialogue “I am afraid,” you would resonate the words “This mind and body is experiencing fear, but the truth of who I am is deeper than fear.”
2. ACTION: Focus on what you can do to transmute the feelings and/or situation. If it is an irrational fear, go for a walk, dance, or practice Hatha Yoga. If it is a legitimate fear, remove yourself from the situation, or confront the person causing your fear response in a non-violent way.
3. Take Care of Yourself: Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, as well as alcohol and sugar.
Engage in activities that pacify the nervous system and promote general health and well-being, including Yoga, meditation, cardiovascular exercise, healthy eating habits, deep breathing exercises, taking hot baths, getting massages, engaging in playful recreational activities, drinking plenty of water, repeating positive affirmations, and prayer.
4. COMPANY: Avoid people that buy into or reinforce your fear. Cultivate friendships with people who nurture and inspire positive emotional experiences.
Avoid violent media, news reports, and entertainment.
5. ATTITUDE:
~ Positivity: Cultivate self-confidence and trust in yourself.
~ Acceptance: Even if it happens, so what? Studies show that 98{fb65e7e27c282a02fa0a36039dc4c9383b3a38d5a4237f8adb1f7680a9920255} of the potential situations that cause us fear do not happen, and the 2{fb65e7e27c282a02fa0a36039dc4c9383b3a38d5a4237f8adb1f7680a9920255} that do occur rarely turn out as awful as had been feared.
~ Support: Learn to ask for help from trusted loved ones. This can be physical support, or simply a listening ear.
~ Practice and patience: overcoming a fear or phobia requires time and repetition, so have patience. Any fear can be overcome with practice.
Example 1: Practice to eliminate fear of driving on the freeway-
o Enter the freeway from the onramp slowly and steadily.
o Drive in the Right lane for one or two miles.
o Exit slowly and carefully.
o The next time, move to left lane once you feel comfortable.
o Overtake or pass slow cars once you feel comfortable.
o Allow yourself to enjoy the drive…
Example 2: Fear of swimming –
o Go to a public pool and watch the other people swim.
o Sit on the steps of the pool and dangle your feet in the water.
o Enter the shallow end gradually.
o Play in the water with your feet and hands.
o Work with a teacher to learn how to swim.
• Do your best and let go… I was in rush, came in from a walk, fell and bumped my nose on the stairs. Instead of becoming afraid of the stairs, I would choose the actions of being more careful and calm in the future. I would also carpet the staircase. But I would not remain upset at myself for falling.
• Purpose of Life – live fearlessly and be grounded. Then you can enjoy life to the fullest – experience love, peace and happiness and spread those positive feelings to others.
Note: Sometimes professional medical assistance is required. Some fears are actually phobias that require the help of a therapist or doctor to dismantle.
