Taming the Monsters Within: A Gentle Approach to Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety often feel like unruly children, demanding attention and refusing to be ignored. Their roots often trace back to childhood experiences where we felt powerless or overwhelmed.

When we try to suppress these feelings, they only intensify. It's like shushing a child who desperately wants to be heard. Anxiety is a natural alarm system, trying to warn us of potential danger. But when we dismiss it, the alarm gets louder, culminating in a full-blown panic attack.

Instead of fighting these feelings, I've found it helpful to treat them with compassion. I invite my fear to sit with me, like a frightened child needing comfort. I ask it:, "What are you trying to tell me?"

Sometimes, the fear reveals a genuine threat, urging me to take action or change my situation. Other times, it unearths old, unhealed wounds.

For instance, a seemingly harmless medical appointment might trigger a memory of a painful childhood procedure. The fear isn't about the present moment but a long-forgotten experience where pain was dismissed or ignored.

Similarly, a sudden encounter with a snake could awaken a buried memory of being forced to stay still, a time when you had to suppress the natural urge to flee.

These unresolved emotions and unexpressed movements get trapped within our bodies, fueling anxiety and potentially contributing to chronic health issues.

The good news is that we can release these trapped emotions and rewire our nervous systems at any time. It requires mindfulness and self-awareness, but by acknowledging and addressing the underlying causes of our fear, we can reclaim our power and live with greater peace.