Fear is a very powerful emotion. It is so strong that it rapidly affects our mental state and our body. We can shift from happy to paralyzed in seconds.
I used to have a 9 foot Boa Constrictor, snakes amaze me. For some, just the thought of a tiny garter snake in the grass can cause a debilitating fear response. For some, spiders do the same...
But is the fear real or perceived?
We deal with dangers all the time throughout our day, both real and perceived, though it triggers different responses for all of us. The same situation can be safe for one person but present a major perceived threat to another.
To learn more effective responses to fear, it is necessary to recognize if the threat you perceive can present actual harm or if the threat is merely imaginary, or a "what if".
Being present or mindful of our thoughts and emotions can play an important role in distinguishing between real threats and perceived threats.
When you begin to notice a fear response arising, ask yourself: Am I in real danger? Will this situation hurt me? Do I need to protect myself?
The mind can play terrible tricks on us and convince us that a threat is real. But if you find that you are not in immediate danger, take a few deep breaths.
Feel the fight or flight response subside. Once you have calmed down you can reevaluate the situation and choose a different reaction.
Even if you find yourself in a threatening situation, focus your attention on what is happening right then.
Try not to waste time overthinking about the worst case scenario - it probably will never happen the way you imagine it. Just focus on what you need to do next.
One way to overcome your fears is to think about the possible outcomes and come up with a plan to get through it.
Or, like me, you can choose to only think about the positive outcome you desire. Accept that everything happens for a reason and happens for your greater good.
React to EVERY situation with love and the fear will shrivel and die.
