By Sally Stone
Did you ever wonder what the phrase “you have nothing to fear, but fear itself” really means? I had occasion to discover the meaning while facing an onslaught of fears during a morning meditation.
After a near-fatal accident 8 years ago, I developed a series of catastrophic fears: fears about disability, isolation, poverty, pain, other people’s perceptions of me, and loss of control. I compartmentalized these fears the best I could in order to maintain my focus on positive future outcomes. In other words, I concealed these fears in a psychological box. The problem with shoving fears into a box, though, is that there is no box large enough to contain even a single fear. In fact, the energy that it takes to suppress fear, which creates stress and shallow breathing, can be better used to face it and figure out what to do about it.
I sat for meditation and allowed my fears, both large and small, to surface: disability in old age, a painful death, dying alone, pain, people’s judgment of my life path and healing choices. This was just the beginning. As the fears surfaced, the concerns that had followed me around in my rear view mirror appeared front and center. The discomfort I felt in my body, which I thought would become worse, actually improved. Instead of fear, I felt a sense of mastery.
As each fear stood before me, I explored it, questioned it, and addressed my concerns. Solutions, next steps, and new perceptions came automatically, as if my whole being preferred resolution instead of lingering fears.
Following this parade of fears came a deep and relaxed peace that arose from a place of fearlessness. Not a fearlessness where no fear exists, but fearlessness toward my fears. I had looked at them and discovered what they needed to be soothed. This empowered me to be master of the fear, rather than afraid of the fear. I finally understood what that phrase meant, “you have nothing to fear but fear itself,” and looked forward to using fearlessness of fear, and other emotions, to continue guiding my journey.
If you would like assistance addressing fears or other emotions in a safe place using the relaxed state of hypnosis, email to schedule complimentary initial consultation.
