Let’s Talk About Fear...
Let’s Talk About Fear: Understanding, Embracing, and Dissolving It
Fear is a powerful emotion that can feel heavy, overwhelming, and even paralyzing. But what if we could understand it better? What if, instead of fearing fear itself, we could work with it?
The Science of Fear
Fear is a natural response designed to protect us. When we sense danger—real or imagined—our brain’s amygdala activates, dissolving stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This is known as the fight-or-flight response. While helpful in real danger, chronic fear can create anxiety, tension, and even physical illness.
Fear in Psychology
From a psychological perspective, fear often stems from past experiences, negative beliefs, or uncertainty about the future. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches that fear is often a product of our thoughts, which means that by changing our perspective, we can change our experience of fear.
The Spiritual and Energetic Meaning of Fear
Many spiritual traditions view fear as a block to personal growth and inner peace. It is often linked to the root chakra, which represents stability and safety. When we hold onto fear, we create energetic stagnation, making it harder to move forward in life.
What Fear is Teaching Us
What I have been learning about fear is that it always carries a message. When you are able to connect to the message and act on it, the fear either reduces or stops. The message could be that you have unresolved emotions linked to a memory that you have not yet processed. It may also be a sign that you are holding onto a past experience that needs healing. By listening to what fear is telling you, you can take steps toward resolution and growth, rather than staying stuck in its grip.
My Personal Experience with Fear
My own experience with fear has varied. Sometimes, I experience what I would call "normal fear"—the kind where I recognize I am scared, but I know I will be okay. Other times, I experience a fear that feels much deeper—the kind where I am scared, but I don’t know why. This type of fear can feel even more overwhelming because I can’t trace it back to something specific.
Through my journey, I have learned that the subconscious mind holds the key to uncovering hidden fears. This is where tools like hypnosis come in. When facilitated properly by a trained hypnotherapist, hypnosis can help access unconscious memories and reveal what the fear is truly about.
Past life hypnosis is another powerful tool that can uncover fears rooted in experiences beyond this lifetime. Many people who undergo past life regression find that unexplained fears, phobias, or emotional blockages stem from unresolved experiences in past incarnations. By exploring these past lives in a safe and guided setting, individuals can gain insight, understanding, and ultimately dissolve the fears that have carried over into their present life.
When I work with clients who don’t know the root cause of their fears, I notice that they struggle to let go of the fear. However, once they connect with the root cause—often linked to unmet emotional needs or past experiences—they are able to dissolve it. Many of these root causes stem from emotions that were trapped due to a lack of understanding at the time they were first experienced. By addressing these deeper layers, true healing can begin.
How to Work with Fear: Tips for Dissolving It
The opposite of fear is safety. When working with affirmations, it’s important to include the word "safe" to rewire the subconscious mind. Saying affirmations in sets of three helps reinforce their power. Try repeating:
"I am replacing the fear feeling with the safe feeling."
"I am transforming my fear emotions into feeling safe emotions now."
"I am safe, I am secure, I am strong."
What If the Fear You Feel Is Not Yours?
Sometimes, the fear you experience may not even be your own. You might have absorbed it from someone else. In these cases, affirmations can help:
If you noticed fear arising around a specific person, say: "I am dissolving the absorbed fear that I have taken on from [person's name]." (Repeat three times.)
If you realize you have simply sympathized and shared in another’s fear, say: "I am dissolving the shared fear emotion with [person's name] now." (Repeat three times.)
When I started working with myself in this way, I noticed that I felt much lighter and not as weighed down after being around certain people.
Protecting Your Energy in Advance
If you know you will be in a space with someone whose energy tends to feel heavy or overwhelming, prepare yourself by saying this affirmation three times before entering:
"I am dissolving all excess energy in advance that is not belonging to me now for the next three hours."
This practice helps prevent energetic overwhelm and keeps your emotional state balanced.
The opposite of fear is safety. When working with affirmations, it’s important to include the word "safe" to rewire the subconscious mind. Saying affirmations in sets of three helps reinforce their power. Try repeating:
"I am replacing the fear feeling with the safe feeling."
"I am transforming my fear emotions into feeling safe emotions now."
"I am safe, I am secure, I am strong."
Fear doesn’t have to control you. Here are some ways to work through it:
Acknowledge It: Instead of pushing fear away, name it. What are you afraid of? Acknowledgment is the first step to dissolving its grip.
Breathe Through It: Deep breathing calms the nervous system and signals to your brain that you are safe.
Reframe the Fear: Ask yourself, “Is this fear based on fact, or is it a story I’m telling myself?” Challenge irrational fears.
Move Your Body: Exercise, yoga, or even a simple walk can dissolve stored fear energy.
Practice Gratitude: Shifting focus to what is good in your life can reduce the power of fear.
Connect to a Higher Perspective: Whether through meditation, prayer, or reflection, remind yourself that fear is temporary and you have the strength to move through it.
Fear Reflection Worksheet
Use this worksheet alone or with a partner to explore and dissolve fear.
What is a fear you are currently facing?
How does this fear feel in your body? (Tight chest, shallow breath, tense muscles, etc.)
What thoughts are connected to this fear?
Is this fear based on a real threat, or is it an assumption or past experience?
What small step can you take to face this fear?
What would life feel like if this fear no longer controlled you?
What supportive words or affirmations can you tell yourself when fear arises?
Who can you reach out to for support?
Final Thoughts
Fear is not the enemy. It is a messenger, guiding us to areas that need healing, growth, and transformation. By understanding fear—scientifically, psychologically, spiritually, and energetically—we can learn to move through it with courage and grace.
You are stronger than your fear. And you don’t have to face it alone.