Suzanne Marlatt Stewart
We live in uncertain times. Every day can bring new challenges. There is a lot of “what if” right now. You may be feeling out of sorts and not know why. It may be admitting you are unconsciously burying your emotion of fear.
Fear limits us in many ways:
* Loss of Emotional Control: When we’re hardwired to be fearful of a situation, the chemicals and parts of the brain that control emotions can get out of whack. It has an impact on the larger scope of emotional control and regulation.
* Poor Physical Health: Fear triggers that fight-or-flight instinct, even if we’re not directly facing fear. Just thinking, “Could there be a big spider underneath my pillow?” could send your heart racing, your stomach turning, and your muscles tensing. The result could be poor digestion, emotional triggers, and eventual immune system weakening.
* Mental Health Struggles: Being afraid is exhausting, right? You wear down your body, mind, and soul. You’re too worried about what could happen and that can lead to depression or generalized anxiety disorders.
How to let go of fear…
1. Examine the Fear. Ask yourself what would happen if you faced this fear? Write down your thoughts. Look at the reality here and now. What is the reason you hold this fear so closely to your mental state.
2. Stop Negative Self-Talk. Simply say “shut up” to your inner voice. Mindful meditation and affirmation make you more prepared for the day ahead instead of living in fear of what could happen.
3. Work on Being Present. Your fears are based on what has happened or what could happen. Releasing attachments of past experiences and future worries allows you to stay present in the moment. Take the time to appreciate what is around you right now.
4. What’s the Worst-Case Scenario? When you look at a situation that has you anxious, nervous, or fearful it allows you to see how the mind can go to some unrealistic places. In any situation I ask myself for an outcome that is best for all concerned, knowing I don’t have to control the situation.
5. Control External Stimuli. You know your specific triggers and avoid them; examples could be politics, violent movies, or binging on crime shows on TV.
6. Choose You. Plan every day to choose yourself above and beyond everyone else. It may sound selfish, but it’s not. Many of our fears are fueled by people around us. Choosing to take back our own power means focusing on our own self-awareness and self-love.
Every day, I am consistently reminded to embrace the present and all it has to offer: a new opportunity to begin again. No matter how much I may stumble on this journey of letting go of fear, the present is always here to remind me that I don’t have to stay stuck on yesterday or worry about what will happen tomorrow.
“Nothing in life is to be feared … it is only to be understood.”—Marie Curie
Rev. Suzanne, a resident of SaddleBrooke, is an independent writer and speaker. She was ordained nondenominational, representing all faiths, and her focus is inclusivity. Email her at spiritualoccasions@outlook.com.