overcoming fear

Dear Friends,

Considering the difficult time many people have been experiencing when it comes to finding stable employment, keeping food on the table , it is no surprise that many of us are experiencing fear over our circumstances and our future. Fear can be an internal message alerting us to an actual or probable threat. Fear can also be an anxiety about things or situations that haven't happened yet and may be unlikely to happen at all. In this news-driven world we live in, we are constantly bombarded with news and images of violence and disaster occurring around the globe. It is no wonder that fear has become a frequent experience for many of us. The unfortunate thing is that our wrestling with fear may prevent us from living in the present and experiencing life's day-to-day joys.

When friends complain of feeling overwhelmed with fear(s), I introduce them to a simple process to help them release any fear(s) so they can focus on living in the moment. To begin, I tell them to go to a calm spot where they can sit quietly, breathe deeply and think about what is making them feel fearful. I ask them to examine their fear(s). Is it the fear of losing a job, not being able to pay bills, not able to complete targets, being thrown out of their home or of someone harming them? Then I ask them to name their fear(s) out loud. By identifying your fears, you can actually begin to face them.

The next step involves classifying your fear(s) and this is really quite simple. Ask yourself if the thing you fear has actually happened or if you are projecting something you are afraid could happen. Next ask yourself how realistic that fear is. The purpose of this exercise is to remind yourself of the many times your fears haven't come to be, but have simply resided in your psyche, haunting you like the monsters that were under your bed or in your closet when you were a child.

It is noticing what we have right now, in this very moment that is the primary focus of this process. Take a look at the room around you, the chair you are sitting in. Think about the people who are present in your life. Take time to count your blessings and express your gratitude for this very moment. Know that the fearful things that may loom in some hypothetical future are just that, fearful things that haven't happened yet and may never happen at all.

Friends, a big part of this exercise is to learn to stay in the present and be grateful for the things we are enjoying right now. This is actually a very good remedy to stave off fear of hypothetical future situations. The next time you have one of those moments when fear overtakes you, I hope you'll follow my suggestions to look at what is making your fearful, consider it and then let it go so that you can focus on what is really important -- making the most of your day