| A good idea from a life coach for personal development growth:
Steps to Letting Go of Fear
By Debbie Milam, reprinted with permission
Discover how to let go of fears that grow from an over-reaction to daily news and fear of the future.
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself . . .
— Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address, 1933
Since September 11, many of us are consumed with fear. Fear of terrorism, fear over financial problems, and fear of traveling have been dominating features in many of our lives. Although fear can help us make necessary preparations, fear can also become quite debilitating. Fear can lead to physical and emotional challenges; fear also stops us from living our lives fully. So what steps can we take to let go of the fear?
 Turn off the news
Although it is important to be informed, the T.V. news media's job is to bring about an emotional response to every story. Your senses are being bombarded with visual and auditory stimuli meant to evoke fear. A less intense way of staying informed is reading the newspaper or by getting your news online. If you do choose to watch the news send a prayer to those who are suffering.
Write your fears out in a journal
By writing these thoughts down they are no longer a part of you. After writing out your fears then answer several questions:
What can I learn from this fear?
What can I change?
What can I surrender?
What are five blessings in my life?
By answering these questions you have shifted your perspective from one of fear to one of insight and gratitude. This strategy is very powerful in releasing fear.
Pray
Prayer is a wonderful way to shift your intention and connect to your source of peace. This connect is so eloquently expressed in A Course in Miracles, "When you know who walks beside you every step of the way you will no longer need to fear." When you are experiencing a fearful thought, simply acknowledge that thought and shift it to a prayer. One very powerful prayer from the 12 Step Program is the Serenity Prayer: God (Higher Power, Universal Energy, Spirit) grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the strength to change those I can: and the wisdom to know the difference. [See The Power of the Serenity Prayer.]
Meditate
Meditation is the ability to quiet down the mind, body and spirit. A simple way to begin is to find a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed. Lie down or sit in a chair. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose and feel the breath travel down into your belly. Hold the breath for several seconds and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this 3 times. Then begin counting backwards from 10 to 1. After you are in this relaxed state, imagine yourself blowing up a balloon, placing all of your fears in the balloon, and then releases your fear-filled balloon to the universe. Once you have released your fear, visualize the highest outcome for any situation you are fearful of. There are also some wonderful guided meditation tapes and CD's on the market for beginners. [See Audio and Imagery Tapes.]
Spend time in nature
Nature has a wonderfully calming effect on the body, mind, and spirit. Take time when you are fearful to visit the beach, a forest, or the mountains.
Listen to beautiful music
Listen to whatever music soothes your soul. This could be New Age, Classical, Jazz, or Nature Sounds.
Read uplifting inspiring books
When you are experiencing fearful thoughts find inspiration in books of poetry, spirituality, personal growth and motivation.
Seek out positive people
If your friends are as fearful as you are they probably are not the people you should be associating with right now. Houses of worship, bookstores, and community centers often have social groups with uplifting members.
If you are still experiencing fear after implementing these strategies seek professional help
Spiritual counselors, life coaches, and behavioral psychologists are professionals that can empower you with tools to help you let go of your fear.
Savor every moment in your life
Perhaps this is the most important element in eliminating fear. None of us know what our fate is but what we do know are the gifts that are present in our lives at this moment. Every day make time to hug your children, cuddle with your partner, tell the people in your life that you love them, watch a sunset, listen to the birds singing, and give thanks for every breath that you take.
Although we are living in evolving times, the power of our thoughts, intentions, and actions can greatly affect the outcome of our lives. By implementing some of these strategies you can learn to let go of fear and begin to live your life fully again.
© Copyright 2002, Debbie Milam
Debbie Milam is an author and motivational speaker. She has created Moments of Joy Spiritual Exercise Cards and Journey Into Healing Meditation Tape. Her products and services can be found on Unlimited Inspiration. |
