Types of Fear –
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| Some of the most common fears include: Flying phobia Fear of change | Less common but still frightening fears are: Fear of long words |
These fears can range in intensity from mild anxiety to complete terror.
As you can see, our fears cover almost every phase of life, mental, emotional, physical, even spiritual.
Most of us, if not all of us, recognize we have one or more of these fears...
if we’re really honest with ourselves. Overcoming our fears gives enormous stress relief. So the question becomes...
How to Conquer Fear
Sometimes people find it helpful to work with a trained therapist. They find value in analyzing their fears in great depth. This approach can be helpful for some people. But it isn’t always necessary.
To overcome fear, it is helpful to understand the basic mechanism of fear that applies in virtually all cases.
Fear is an emotion. It’s an experience that we have. There is a mental part, and there is a physical part. Let’s look at the two of these aspects separately.
The Mental Part of Fear
- Learn How to Conquer Fear by Staying in the Present Moment
The mental part of fear is the specifics of the situation. It’s the story that we’re telling.
The mental part of fear always involves a projection into the future. It’s our reaction to something we think might happen that we don’t want. Or it’s our reaction to something we think will not happen that we do want.
So one way we can learn how to conquer fear is to get grounded in the present. Instead of imagining all the things which could go wrong, simply accept what is, right now.
Right now we have everything we need. When we put our attention on the here and now, the mental part of fear evaporates.
- Learn How to Conquer Fear with Acceptance
As much as our egos would like to think we are in control of our lives… it’s a lie.
We can not control our heart beat, our breathing, or whether the sun will rise tomorrow. We certainly can not control the stock market, our employer, spouse or children.
Our thoughts and actions certainly do influence the outcomes and events in our lives. Hard work, diligence, honesty, kindness, compassion and positive mental attitudes are certainly worthwhile. They can enhance our life and the lives of those around us. But, they do not enable us to control. In this experience of life we simply have to do our best and then hope for the best.
The mental part of fear is a kind of worry. It uses our time and energy uselessly. When we fully realize the futility of this worry habit we can make other choices.
We can stop feeding the fear... because we realize that it does not help. It does not help us to be in control. It does not help us to get what we think we want. It wastes our time and energy.
The future is not knowable or controllable.
Practicing acceptance neutralizes the mental part of fear.
The Physical Part of Fear
To deal with the physical part of fear, get out of the story line. Simply allow your attention to be with the physical sensations.
You will find that underlying every fear are one or more physical sensations in the body. These physical sensations may include:
- a queasy stomach,
- rapid heart beat,
- shallow rapid breathing,
- muscle tension,
- increased perspiration,
- shaking,
- or thirst.
Just by paying attention to those physical sensations without a story or a label allows the sensations to dissipate and eventually disappear. When that happens, the fear goes as well.
Sometimes the sensations dissipate quickly, sometimes slowly. Or it can go in waves. Eventually the sensations do go when we don’t resist them or label them and simply allow them to be experienced.
Additional Tools
PrayerPrayer is helpful in overcoming all types of fear. Faith and trust in God are perfect antidotes to this very common human problem. It is a solution which helps us find serenity, peace and acceptance.
The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
EFT can be very useful for overcoming many types of fear. It seems to help clear blocks in the energy meridians of the body so that we can feel better. The technique is simple to use and the manual is free. You can do it for yourself.
Herbs, aromatherapy, laughter and slow deep breathing are additional ways to overcome all types of fear.
When we are more stressed, we tend to be vulnerable to many types of fear.
For an overview of natural tips and techniques for stress relief visit Gentle Stress Relief home page from Types of Fear – How to Conquer Fear
Please remember the information on this page is not intended to diagnose or treat emotional or medical problems. Please see a qualified health care professional if your problem persists.
Sources:
Hawkins, David R., 2006, Transcending The Levels of Consciousness, The Stairway to Enlightenment. West Sedona Arizona: Veritas Publishing
Hawkins, David R., 2009, Healing and Recovery. West Sedona Arizona: Veritas Publishing
