Fear can be paralyzing. Or it can start you down the rabbit hole of trying to figure out “what will happen if….” But we can’t adequately know or predict the future. Mediation teaches us to accept the way things are, instead of fighting things. Being in the present instead of the future or past. Focus on what you can know now, such as your intentions and your attitude. Feelings can be mixed and multi layered making them harder to decipher. Often you can know your feelings by directly experiencing them in certain parts of your body. Checking your motivation can help. Fear is often accompanied by blaming others or blaming yourself. Part of resolving fear is knowing that fear is there to protect you. You will have won your battle with fear, when you can truly and deeply feel that whatever happens you can handle the outcome.
Spiritual Guides
Who are your guides? A guide is any person who teaches us to be wiser and kinder. Animals, a work of music or art, or nature itself can be a guide. Guides show us the ways love can be expressed. They show us a vision of what we can accomplish. The Buddha was a guide, but today we fine guides in ordinary people. Guides appear when we need them. Because no teacher is perfect, and our guides can be flawed. We are all human, and accepting your guides flaws is part of receiving the wisdom your guide possesses. One of the primary roles of a guide is to reflect our wisdom and joy back to us. A guide makes your feelings easier. They share your pain and dissipate your loneliness. Acknowledge and practice gratitude when a guide appears for you.
Moving Closer To Fear
Moving closer to fear is the journey of bravery. It is feeling the groundlessness that exists and being ok with it. In the face of groundlessness, we naturally grasp for something to hold on to, such as drugs, alcohol or pleasure. Identifying with and holding tightly to our views and opinions, results in dividing the world into us and them. Instead try to be open, available and receptive. Have the courage to be tender hearted and not strike out against others. Tap into your fundamental goodness. “Touch what is coming up and let it go.” In turning towards fear you discover vulnerability. Allow yourself to be as you are, without justifying or condemning. The anticipation is usually the worst part of the fear. Fear is moving closer to the truth and understanding this can reduce the shame of fear.
“All things can co-exist at the same time. Fear doesn’t have to stop the experience of a moment of joy. There is so much freedom when you push through to the other side.”