Friday, April 25, 2014

COMBATING FEAR

Fear runs deep in us.  It touches many aspects of our lives and is perhaps our greatest problem.  It often controls us without our even knowing it's there.  So how can we successfully deal with it?

Obviously, we must first become aware of our fear -- face it, then look to see what's behind it. This may be difficult when fear shakes us to our core or when it hides beneath another feeling such as anger, contempt, jealousy or aversion.  But if we do recognize and confront our fears and go through them, they become doorways to self-knowledge and inner freedom ... and ultimately a better life.

Here are three fear-fighting techniques: First, imagine radiating love energy toward whatever causes you fear.   As you do this you'll see your fear disappear because love and fear are opposites that can't coexist.  The more we love, the less we fear. This is one reason Jesus taught us to “love thy enemy”. When we can love even our enemies, we conquer fear, become stronger spiritually and more able to act wisely.

Another fear-fighting technique: don’t believe all the calamitous stories you tell yourself.  Often fear is the result of something we imagine or expect will or won’t happen. But if we recognize that we don’t really know, once again we dispel fear. 

And consider this: most of the things you fear never happen. Realizing and reaffirming this is a third way to combat fear.

With these tools you can master much fear and clear the way to live more peacefully and joyfully.

Goodness and joy to all, Joseph.


SPREAD AWARENESS ... FORWARD THESE THOUGHTS TO A FRIEND.