This week I feel inspired to bring light and hope to an emotion that is part of our human experience and that is also causing a lot of pain and suffering right now.

Fear.

Fear is not a popular emotion to feel nor is it always a popular topic to discuss. Sometimes when the word fear is mentioned we can put-up walls. We just don’t want to go there.

Will you go there with me?

Collectively, there is a lot of fear in the world. Some people are afraid of getting COVID, their families well-being, their finances or work situation, the state of the world, climate change, or day-to-day affairs. It’s a lot to deal with.

This is a time when we really need to support ourselves, rather than judge. To have compassion rather than compare. To hold ourselves lovingly like we hold an innocent child, just because.

It’s not easy to feel intense emotions. Most of us weren’t taught how to be with our emotions. So, in any given moment we are doing the best we can.

Feeling fear is part of being human. But so many people are in fear mode all day long meaning fear is running their life. It’s in the driver’s seat.

When we are constantly living in fear, our mind starts to ruminate. This, in turn, creates anxiety in our body. We aren’t present. We are reactive. Our health is compromised. Happiness is nowhere to be seen. It can become debilitating.

We can’t control what is happening in our outer world. We can, however, choose to support ourselves so we can feel more grounded, safe and calm on a regular basis.

There is hope.

In mindfulness we are practicing being present.
We don’t run away or fix.
We work with this moment.
We explore with curiousity.

We are shining light (compassion and love) on the darkness (fear).

Sometimes it’s easier than others. We still practice.

How can we support ourselves and the fear through stressful times?

For me, it’s all about my daily commitment to my well-being and deeper connection to Self.

It takes work. It doesn’t happen on its own. And it’s worth it.

I don’t use my tools only when I’m stressed. I use my tools every day.

So, when life challenges come my way (and they do) I am more resilient. When I get thrown off course I can bounce back.

My normal is to feel safe and trust.

THIS is a result of my daily practice.

For me, this is where hope lies. In our moment-to-moment choices we reclaim our power.

I attended a retreat two weeks ago and my teacher said something that really stuck with me…

“Nothing that is real will ever be lost. Everything that is false will fall away.”

Yes!

Here are some of the tools I use on a regular basis to stay present, grounded, trust, and feel connected to Self.

Asking for Help
I have a mentor, teachers and practitioners that support me. ‘My Team’. If you are struggling or feel stuck, I offer private coaching. I'd love to support you. Contact me.

EFT
One of the most effective ways to calm the amygdala in the brain, release the emotion, helping us to feel calm and safe in the here and now. I use this technique personally and with my clients.

Meditation
Very effective in releasing stress from our mind and body, helping us to feel more grounded, present and safe.

Breath
It’s with us 24/7. Let the breath do its magic. As you go about your day stop and BREATHE. Get to know your breathe. Breathe into the fear or emotion.

All of these things will send a message to the fear that it is being supported with compassion and gentleness.

When we can approach fear with more gentleness, healing happens. Maybe not all at once, but it does happen.

I encourage you to create space for your feelings. Hold them tenderly and keep those hearts wide open.

With love and support,

Diane