Hey lovely you. Is something calling you? Do you feel like there’s more out there? Is there more you want to do in the world? Are you afraid to take the next step?
As a graduate of Fear 400 for Life, I’m here to tell you that I understand being afraid. I spent the first two decades of my life afraid of parties. Meeting new people. Trying new things. High school gym class. So, that was fun.
Enter decade three, and all of a sudden things changed. I learned something about fear that I’ll never forget. Are you ready? Here it is…
FEAR IS JUST A FEELING-STATE
Take a second and read that again. Did it really sink in?
The Power of Compassionate Curiosity
Here’s how you’ll know if the power in that statement truly landed with you. Think of the thing you’re most afraid of right now. Really. It’ll only take a second. Do you feel afraid already? Good.
Now instead of trying to change the way you feel, take your attention deeper into exactly what you feel. Ask yourself these three questions:
- Where does fear show up in your body?
- What area of your body holds the strongest physical sensation right now?
- What specifically do you feel in that area?
While you’re answering these questions, breathe more deeply.
I have a hunch you’re starting to feel less afraid. That’s because instead of giving over to fear, you’ve gotten compassionately curious about it. Fear is just a feeling-state, just like joy, happiness, or love. It rises, crests, and falls—waves on the surface of your ocean.
You’re not your feeling-states; you’re the ocean beneath the waves.
All feeling-states pass, including fear. And they pass even faster if we face them with compassionate curiosity…
COMPASSIONATE CURIOSITY TRUMPS FEAR
How Knowing Fear Can Change Your Life
What would be different if every time you felt fear you helped it pass through you, instead of cowering? Imagine the things you could do, the people you’d meet, the accomplishments and goals you’d master.
Imagine your destiny.
It’s calling you, and it’s only a feeling-state that’s standing in your way. You’ve got the power. Breathe through it, let it pass, and let it go. Keep going. You’ve got this.
xL
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Editor’s note: Enjoy another fantastic guest post from Lindsey Lewis–life coach and yoga teacher. Stay up to date with her latest at www.libreliving.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
Photo credit: Camillia Lee and Karmym