I read somewhere that fear is actually the mind's defense mechanism to protect us from harm; like sensing the need to run when you see a bear coming atcha. But this defense mechanism seems to kick in quite frequently when its original purpose becomes obsolete (not alot of bears in these dem parts), thus creating anxiety unnecessarily.
My fear-squashing practice involves the following 4 steps:
- Thank the fear for the alert and then politely ask it to leave me alone.
- Deep breathing: In through the nose and out through the mouth (with force) several times. This helps me to expand and contract. Ever notice how we stop breathing when we're scared or feeling anxious? Deep breathing also helps me to focus on something. I pay attention to the breaths.
- Stay present: this is a tough one and some view it as denial. I view it as I can't do anything about what I have foreseen as a problem right at this moment. This is the greatest take-away I retained from reading Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth.
- Focus on the positive; what I want vs. what I don't want.
- Public expression as a release (like writing a blog post).
- Repeat as needed.
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