Good morning followers!
Here's scary subject just in time for HALLOWEEN... FEAR!
I'm continuing my Udemy Course on Shadow work, by Spiritual Director and Alternative Health Practitioner, Elaina Bianca.
She introduces the subject of irrational vs irrational fears and releasing them to bring your shadow into the light.
Difference Between Rational vs. Irrational Fear and Its Effects - Health Research Policy
So, what are rational fears?
These are justifiable. It's more likely for you to be afraid because the fear is more likely to manifest or come to fruition. An example: Drowning. You are on a boat during a torrential storm, and you have no life vest. This fear kicks in because your "survival instinct" senses DANGER or a THREAT to your SAFETY.
Irritational fears are less likely to occur. They are indicated by an exaggeration in "reaction" to the fear. For example, the same fear of drowning. The difference is you are boating on a calm lake while wearing a life-vest. As you can see in this particular situation, there is no apparent danger or threat. When a fear becomes "overwhelming" it can develop into a "phobia", an extreme irrational fear. Aquaphobia is extreme anxiety or fear surrounding water. This is an example of this.
Learning how to release your fears is an important part of "Shadow Work" because leaving your fears "UNADDRESSED" can affect you physically, mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally. Fear is a form of "STRESS". So, at the physical level when stressed, your body responds by releasing "cortisol" from your adrenal glands. This "triggers" your sympathetic nervous system and your "fight or flight response". If you continue to remain in the stress state for too long, you may suffer from nausea, high blood pressure, migraines, and more. Mentally, you may develop "anxiety" which can lead to a host of other mental concerns, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, excessive worry, insomnia, and impaired concentration. Fears have a huge impact on your emotional well-being. They can lead to a myriad of problematic emotions like indecision, hesitation, pessimism, depression, frustration and agitation. Lastly, looking at it from a behavioral standpoint, fears may become a hindrance to your willingness to partake in "everyday activities", they may prevent you from trying new experiences, or "stepping out of your comfort zone".
Ask yourself: What would you do if you weren't fearful?
- Would you get on a plane for the first time?
- Would you audition for a lead role in a musical?
- Would you stand in front of a crowd of 500 people and share your success story?
As you begin to reflect on those things you are fearful of, you will begin to recognize that many of these fears are irrational fears. And moreover, you may realize the "power" they have in holding you back from living the life that you "DESIRE".
Facing your fears offers you three "choices":
1. You can choose to remain fearful.
2. You can shift your mindset regarding your fear.
3. You can take action and confront the fear.
If # 2 sounds good to you, you can shift your awareness of your fear by evaluating the risk and challenging the fear itself. For example: You have a fear of being home alone at night because there could be a home burglary at any moment. START WITH THE FACTS! You may find that only 3 % of households in your city were burglarized last year. So, statistically speaking, that's a very low risk factor. Not only that but burglaries typically happen during the afternoon when people are away at work not at NIGHT. If you have a home security system, updated box, and safe for your valuables, then your home is better protected than others. Worst Case Scenario: if it did come true, think of all ways you could remain in CONTROL and PROTECT yourself. You could use your "emergency exit" to leave the building "while you call your emergency services for "support". Depending on the fear, there are ways you can be "pro-active" in order to mitigate the threat to you.
Sometimes # 3 is the best way to confront your fear. For example: Maybe you have a fear of rollercoaster rides but have never been on one. Some would say there's no better way to "debunk" the fear than to "take the bull by the horns". Take action and simply take a rollercoaster ride. You may be surprised at how much you enjoyed it. If you didn't enjoy it, at least you have a "true perspective" of the fear and thus can react from a place of "experience". Other fear-based scenarios can benefit from taking "baby steps". For example: If you fear performing in front of a crowd, start performing for a few of your closest friends. Next perform for a 'handful of people". Work your way up to performing in front of the small stage with a small crowd. Finally, you're ready for the big stage and the big crowd! For irrational fears and phobias that are truly overwhelming, consider booking an appointment with a mental health professional who can provide you with the right tools to overcome your fears.
There are two worksheets included:
One is list 7 of your fears and discern if they are rational or irrational.
To help you discern, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is this fear a real threat to my safety or survival?
- Is this fear likely to manifest?
- If this fear came to fruition, would it drastically affect my life?
- Do I experience a mild or exaggerated response when face to face with this fear?
Worksheet 2 Asks you to take 3 of the 7 fears from Worksheet 1. Then ask yourself:
What are some STEPS that I can take to help me manage, conquer, or begin to heal these fears?
I'll give you a personal example: I have a fear of driving at night because my vision isn't as good and I'm more tired at night. I'm a morning person. It's actually a driving phobia that I've had for years! I've been forced to drive, and I can do it. I just feel more out of control.
The steps I can take to help me manage, conquer and heal from this:
Give myself permission to take an alternate route that I feel more comfortable with
Make sure I'm rested.
Make sure I have my vision up to date.
Make sure I have directions.
Make sure my car is running well.
Make sure I have gas and cash.
Understand the roots of this phobia.
Have compassion for myself.
Keep myself calm.
Here's a link for driving phobia for your interest!
As always... I would love to hear your feedback on fears, how many of you mostly experience irrational vs rational and whether you would shift your mindset vs confronting your fear.
Peace, Love, and Empowerment,
Laura
"Fears are stories we tell ourselves." Unknown
Best 15 Books About Fear (ineffableliving.com)
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