Facing Your Fears
© 2016 GypsyJaguar
Fear is the sensation of being afraid of what is before us. It is a feeling of panic and insecurity. Instinctual fear is important for our safety and survival. It alerts us of potential danger and prompts us to protect ourselves and those closest to us.
When we become scared our brain signals our glands to release adrenaline into our bloodstream. This prepares our body with enough energy to either fight back or run to safety. The way our body reacts may very well depend on what we have experienced in the past.
Most fear is caused by an uncertainty of what might happen. Some situations may be so terrifying to some people, that they completely freeze in their tracks, unable to respond physically, mentally, or emotionally. Some may choose to run away, which in some circumstances is essential to assure their own safety. But, for those who have been in a similar situation before, it is highly likely that they will end up fighting against it.
These reactions can occur in any variety of situations, from a simple argument to a life-threatening experience. Fear lingers behind many faces. Violence, bullying, anger, prejudice, avoidance, and self-sabotage are all reactions to fear.
When we try something new, make a major life change, or are presented with a challenge to break through a personal blockage or existing fear, it can be an extremely scary experience. These types of situations threaten our sense of security. The fear we feel is the apprehension of experiencing unforeseen and unfamiliar circumstances, as well as the possibility of making a wrong choice. When we do not know what to expect, we often worry ourselves with the worst possible scenarios.
Living in a state of fear, avoiding general activities and situations, allowing our fears to regularly affect our choices, lashing out at others or attacking what we simply do not understand are not healthy ways to deal with fear. Facing our fears and finding ways to deal with them in a healthy way is the key to conquering them.
In order to face our fears, we must first learn to identify them. Fear can often be disguised as something else. It can present itself as a seemingly irrational fear with no basis in reality. For example, the common fear of clowns is most likely linked to the fear of people hiding their true face behind a mask. It may be a subconscious metaphor for a masking of people's ulterior motives. Many fears stem from the inability to have complete control over one's surroundings or the actions of others. For those who have been physically or emotionally attacked in the past, this fear can be quite prominent.
When you are faced with a decision that makes you fearful, notice the reasoning behind why you feel you may not be able to go through with a particular choice. The excuses we give ourselves and others can shed light on our hidden fears. Think about what scares you about these situations. It may be a fear of failure, of potential ridicule, or other blows to your self-worth. We are often merely afraid of our own perceived inadequacies.
A fear of success can be likened to a fear of failure. Self-sabotage stems from a fear of success. It can be a scary experience to realize our own power. Success and power comes with a high level of responsibility. If we feel we cannot maintain this level of responsibility, we may subconsciously set ourselves up to fail in order to avoid facing any challenges.
Many psychological fears can be overcome by exposing ourselves to experiences that confront those fears. It may be frightening the first few times, but should become easier with regular practice. It often helps to have someone along for moral support in the beginning, until you get more comfortable on your own. Having someone to talk to about your feelings, or writing them down in a journal is very important as you go through the process of facing your fears. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to ease into the situation, taking things one step at a time. It may take several small attempts before you can successfully break through, so be patient and understanding with yourself. And be sure to reward yourself for every try.
Some fears can be very deep-rooted issues that may take more than a simple will to overcome. There may, in some instances, even be fears that stem from a previous lifetime. Deep-seated fears or fears that seem to have no connection to previous experiences or psychological issues may require more work to deal with. Deep meditation, controlled hypnosis, and past-life regressions may be helpful in such instances. Be sure to work with a trusted practitioner and keep a journal of your progress.
Remember that no matter where it stems from fear is real and should be acknowledged and respected. Recognizing fear can be a helpful aid to your own security and survival. Working through pent-up fear can free you of restrictions you are putting upon yourself and can open doors to new experiences and a renewed sense of self-worth. You have the power to change your life for the better. Have faith in yourself and anything is possible.
A little story about facing your fears.
by GypsyJaguar 2011
"What are you afraid of?" Jessica asked Jacob as they stood staring at the entrance.
"I don't know..." Jacob responded thoughtfully. "I guess...", he paused. "I don't know what's going to happen." he finally admitted.
Jessica got her typical, condescending smirk on her face, as she glared at Jacob sideways, through her right eye. "You have no idea what's going to happen every morning when you step out your front door," she quipped, "but you still do it! Right?!"
"I guess so..."
"What do you mean, 'you guess so'? Either you do or you don't!"
"O.K., what's your point?" Jacob snapped back.
"My point is" Jessica continued, "even though you may not know what's going to happen, doesn't mean it's going to be something bad. But, if you dwell on bad possibilities, that is exactly what WILL happen."
Jacob looked at the floor as he pondered Jessica's words. "I'm just nervous I'm going to do or say the wrong thing." Jacob replied.
Jessica quickly retorted, "Well, then I suppose you will just have to convince yourself that everything you do and say will be perfect!"
"You make everything sound so easy." Jacob complained.
"That's because it is!" Jessica explained. "You are just thinking too much, which is making things way more difficult than they need to be. Have Faith!"
"Faith?!!" Jacob responded in startled confusion. "Faith in what?!"
Jessica looked Jacob straight in the eyes, with the most thought-felt and sincere look she could muster, and said, "Faith in your self."
Jacob turned his head away as a wave of warmth shot through his chest and abdomen, forcing tears to well up in his eyes. His dear friend, Jessica, had hit a chord of truth.
"You see, fear is a state of mind. And states of mind can be changed. All fear is, is being scared of the unknown. When you don't know what might happen, your mind starts creating all of these scenarios of possibilities. So, instead of focusing on the negative possibilities, focus, instead, on the positive ones. Think about what the perfect scenario could be. Put all of your energy into that possibility. I guarantee you that your experience will be exactly what you expect it to be, no matter what you choose to focus on. So, might as well focus on the best outcome!"
Jacob looked at his best friend with the sort of sideways smile that he gave her when he would begrudgingly, yet lovingly admit she was right. He couldn't think of any other person in the world that he would rather have with him at this time. Jessica always seemed to have the knack of making everything seem so simple and smooth-flowing. Maybe there really was something to her positive view on life.
Jacob raised his head toward the entrance, took a deep breath and shook the fear-filled thoughts from his mind, with a sort of shudder. "O.K., I can do this." he convincingly muttered to himself.
"I'm right beside you, all the way, Jake." Jessica reassured her friend. Jacob grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. "I know you are, thank you." And together, they walked through the door.
“Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.” "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." I will show you fear in a handful of dust.” "Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is." “We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot.” |
“Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” “What we seek we shall find; what we flee from flees from us.” "He who fears to suffer, suffers from fear." “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." |
Also see:
Emotional Healing - Dealing With Issues - Coping with Grief - Why Bad Things Happen to Good People - Releasing Anger - Forgiveness - Acceptance - Facing Your Fears - True Strength - Rediscovering Yourself - A Feel-Good Project - Finding Your True Love
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