When we let fears dominate our thoughts and actions, we strengthen their hold over us. The more attention we give to them, the larger and more imposing they become in our minds.
Thank you, Gurdeep Pandher. Here in the U.S., after the recent elections, I am overwhelmed with fear. You have reminded me that although what is fear-inspiring is external and beyond my control, the fear is internal and can be alleviated by actions and positivity.
Gurdeep and others . . . how do you identify the fear/s and override them? Unfortunately my many attempts to not let fear paralyze me have often been met with validation and reinforcement of the fear. I think there are some realities in our world that are to be feared. But discerning what is protecting me and what is a trigger from the past are so difficult to pull apart. And so we move. . . stretch, dance, flow.
Hey Kari, this is a good question. Thanks for asking. Yes, there are some realities in our world that are genuinely frightening. These realities are valid and impact many people. However, instead of letting them overwhelm our lives, we should show compassion to others and preserve our inner strength. Those who create fear are successful because they know that the more they frighten us, the more fearful we'll become—and that's exactly what they want.
Hello, Gurdeep! Thank you for your article! When you say “ Conscious thought management is essential” in your article, I’m reminded of a CBT course I took. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness. It really helped me to examine my thoughts and replace them with more realistic positive thoughts. However, it’s best to continue practicing what you learned in the class, after the course has ended and for life. Which I didn’t do and am not getting the full benefit of CBT. Like anything new, it takes effort. I should really make CBT a priority in my everyday living. However, I benefited from taking the course and I recommend it to anyone. The CBT course was free for me and it was done online. It’s not difficult to learn. I also recommend going for walks. My doctor suggested half hour walks per day. Right now, I’m walking 15 minutes every weekday. I’m building up to walk a half hour each day. Take care!
Hello Sarina, thanks for sharing your story. It's great that CBT helped you examine your thoughts and replace them with more realistic, positive ones. I liked your doctor's advice too. Walking 15 minutes per day is beautiful. It's not about big achievements; it's about taking baby steps and building from there.
Fear arrives like the darkness of the night overtaking our sense of freedom it shackles our thoughts and clouds our existence. When we’re in the depths of our anxiety, depression creeps into our minds staggering our thoughts overshadowing our happiness, enveloping our every physical movement only leaving shadows of uncertainty and despair. Fear like all our human frailties brings no joy only loneliness felt in everything we do and everywhere we go.
I wake in the morning with joy and hope for the day that lies ahead , positivity lines the path of my experience that forces the darkness out to expose light. I don’t rely on my past negative experiences to control my forward movement only to enlighten me to the path ahead. I know the path to darkness is there to show me the light that inspires my existence and leads me to happiness.
Thank you, Gurdeep! There’s a great deal of fear here in the U.S. these days. Yours is a good reminder that, instead of letting it paralyze us, we should harness it, confront it, and use it to spur us toward positive action!!
I am dealing with the barrage of news from Washington in this manner which only upends my day in this manner.
First of all i have cut out cable news with the blaring headline “Breaking News” which, in my opinion, only serves the activate the alarm/fear physiological response. Rather we keep informed by a small number of trusted news outlets which i check once a day or possibly more if it is a case of extreme urgency. Most stories do not demand that response.
Secondly when that primal fear response strikes I pick up a creative project, in my case hand quilting. The in/out motion and rhythm of the needle piercing the fabric, my eyes falling on a beautiful image that was chosen to speak to my heart brings me to a place of calmness and peace. As a background I have a soothing piece of classical music playing, mostly nocturnes by Chopin. The senses are then engaged on a different level than that which provoked the initial response of anxiety and lifts me above fear and doubt.
These are my methods to address the vitriol and devisivness in the media today. Understand that everyone has the capacity to find a similar place but for some it may take searching but rest assured the rewards will be great.
Sorry I went on so long but this piece touched a nerve and I wanted to share.
Thank you, Gurdeep Pandher. Here in the U.S., after the recent elections, I am overwhelmed with fear. You have reminded me that although what is fear-inspiring is external and beyond my control, the fear is internal and can be alleviated by actions and positivity.
I hear you, Nedene! I am sending love and good vibes!
Thank you, Gurdeep, for such balanced insights! We need voices like yours. 🙏🏼💛
Thank you 🙏🏽🧡
Gurdeep and others . . . how do you identify the fear/s and override them? Unfortunately my many attempts to not let fear paralyze me have often been met with validation and reinforcement of the fear. I think there are some realities in our world that are to be feared. But discerning what is protecting me and what is a trigger from the past are so difficult to pull apart. And so we move. . . stretch, dance, flow.
Hey Kari, this is a good question. Thanks for asking. Yes, there are some realities in our world that are genuinely frightening. These realities are valid and impact many people. However, instead of letting them overwhelm our lives, we should show compassion to others and preserve our inner strength. Those who create fear are successful because they know that the more they frighten us, the more fearful we'll become—and that's exactly what they want.
Thank you for the reminder to return to compassion and inner strength and not let fear consume you.
Hello, Gurdeep! Thank you for your article! When you say “ Conscious thought management is essential” in your article, I’m reminded of a CBT course I took. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness. It really helped me to examine my thoughts and replace them with more realistic positive thoughts. However, it’s best to continue practicing what you learned in the class, after the course has ended and for life. Which I didn’t do and am not getting the full benefit of CBT. Like anything new, it takes effort. I should really make CBT a priority in my everyday living. However, I benefited from taking the course and I recommend it to anyone. The CBT course was free for me and it was done online. It’s not difficult to learn. I also recommend going for walks. My doctor suggested half hour walks per day. Right now, I’m walking 15 minutes every weekday. I’m building up to walk a half hour each day. Take care!
Hello Sarina, thanks for sharing your story. It's great that CBT helped you examine your thoughts and replace them with more realistic, positive ones. I liked your doctor's advice too. Walking 15 minutes per day is beautiful. It's not about big achievements; it's about taking baby steps and building from there.
Thankyou for this post - I really needed this reminder after this week specifically. There is so much good around us - especially in nature - M
Thanks for your feedback, Michele!
Beautiful, your writing is such a bright spot in my week! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you, Helena, for such a beautiful response!
Your posts always make me smile. Great thoughts 💖
Thanks, Audhd Painter, for your kind feedback 🙏🏽🧡
That is the exact Universal lesson I have been trying to remember.
Thank you, Trish!
Fear arrives like the darkness of the night overtaking our sense of freedom it shackles our thoughts and clouds our existence. When we’re in the depths of our anxiety, depression creeps into our minds staggering our thoughts overshadowing our happiness, enveloping our every physical movement only leaving shadows of uncertainty and despair. Fear like all our human frailties brings no joy only loneliness felt in everything we do and everywhere we go.
I wake in the morning with joy and hope for the day that lies ahead , positivity lines the path of my experience that forces the darkness out to expose light. I don’t rely on my past negative experiences to control my forward movement only to enlighten me to the path ahead. I know the path to darkness is there to show me the light that inspires my existence and leads me to happiness.
Thanks for your words, Nick!
You have a very special gift Gurdeep, you are selfless and create much joy, inspiration and peace in my mind which is a gift!
Thank you friend🙏
Thank you so much 🙏🏽
This is lovely. Thank you for sharing
Thanks, Stephen!
Thank you, Gurdeep! There’s a great deal of fear here in the U.S. these days. Yours is a good reminder that, instead of letting it paralyze us, we should harness it, confront it, and use it to spur us toward positive action!!
Thank you, Emily! You've captured the essence of the article perfectly.
Thank you so much, Gurdeep. As always, I really appreciate your articles!
Thanks, Aurore, for your kind reply!
Thank you, Gurdeep. You are a treasure. 🙂
Thank you, Maggie!
Your bhangara has uplifted me for years and now your words do as well! Sat Nam!
I am glad you like my Bhangra dancing. 😊
I am dealing with the barrage of news from Washington in this manner which only upends my day in this manner.
First of all i have cut out cable news with the blaring headline “Breaking News” which, in my opinion, only serves the activate the alarm/fear physiological response. Rather we keep informed by a small number of trusted news outlets which i check once a day or possibly more if it is a case of extreme urgency. Most stories do not demand that response.
Secondly when that primal fear response strikes I pick up a creative project, in my case hand quilting. The in/out motion and rhythm of the needle piercing the fabric, my eyes falling on a beautiful image that was chosen to speak to my heart brings me to a place of calmness and peace. As a background I have a soothing piece of classical music playing, mostly nocturnes by Chopin. The senses are then engaged on a different level than that which provoked the initial response of anxiety and lifts me above fear and doubt.
These are my methods to address the vitriol and devisivness in the media today. Understand that everyone has the capacity to find a similar place but for some it may take searching but rest assured the rewards will be great.
Sorry I went on so long but this piece touched a nerve and I wanted to share.