COPING WITH FEAR

Fear is the greatest weapon of control. Just look at history--both your own and the world's--to see that this is true. Fear is a dark force that has nothing to do with your true nature. Your true nature is light. Dark attracts dark. Fear attracts fear. This is the nature of fear.

In spite of the fear being broadcast into the world today, you can align with your higher nature which is light. You can go within yourself to find out what is true for you. You are not compelled to blindly believe everything you hear on the news, from the media, religious, or political leaders. News today is not meant to enlighten, but to enslave with fear. Fear is addictive. When the media or government can "excite" you with fear, they know they have you hooked and you will continue to come back for more and more, giving away more and more of your power to them. Have you noticed how the news plays the same horrifying images for days reliving horrifying events from the past?

NOTICE WHEN FEAR TAKES YOU OVER

• Notice when you are feeling afraid.
• Do your best to identify what it is you are afraid of.
• Ask yourself if you have any control over what you fear (whether it is an earthquake, a war, terrorists, dying, being left alone, not getting something you want).
• Acknowledge to yourself what you have no power over. There is great empowerment in acknowledging what you are powerless over.
• Consciously offer your fear to your higher power.
• Do your best to bring yourself to the here and now.

SUGGESTIONS FOR HELPING YOUR MIND COPE WITH FEAR

Your first lesson asked you to be aware of the questions you ask. Ask yourself the following questions. Spontaneous writing can help you find answers and understand your fear. Having a non-judgmental person to read your writing to is also helpful.

• Is the thing I fear happening right now?

• Do I have any control over the thing I fear?

• What purpose does this fear serve?

•What do I get from having this fear?

• Does the fear have a useful message for me?

• Can I learn something from this fear?

• Where do I experience fear in my body?

• What thoughts are connected with this fear?

• Am I safe right now?

• Do I know for sure this fearful thing will manifest?

• What (who) am I believing in when I believe this fear?

• What (who) am I trusting when I trust this fear?

• Is this fear trustworthy?

• Are my thoughts in the past or present?

• Am I in the present moment?

• What am I afraid would happen if I stopped being afraid?

SUGGESTIONS FOR HELPING YOUR BODY COPE WITH FEAR

Play your favorite music if you like. Notice where fear is held in your body. Close your eyes and bring your complete attention to this place. This helps the frightened place within you understand that it is not alone. Breathe into the fear. Notice any tension, tightness, or stress in your body. Roll your shoulders. Do this until you feel tension easing from your shoulders.

Let your head move in soft gentle circles. Inhale deep peace as your head rolls back. Exhale a long sigh of tension as your head drops forward. Do this until you feel tension easing from your neck and shoulders.

Consciously breathe deep into your abdomen, letting it expand and fill with air like a balloon. Let breath move into to your solar plexus. Continue inhaling and fill your lungs, letting your chest and heart open and expand. Let this expansion naturally lift and stretch your arms. Continue to inhale until you feel the need to exhale.

Now inhale and let the stretch move through your spine. Let the stretch relax and expand your entire body. Let your body intuitively stretch, move, or even dance in any way that feels good to you. Observe your body without trying to control its movements. Let the natural intelligence of breath move your body. Feel your body responding with love and gratitude for the care you are giving it.

When your movement naturally stops, let yourself sit or stand quietly for awhile, imbibing the wonderful healing energy you have created for yourself. Re-enter the world refreshed and rejuvenated, with your focus upon the Love and Truth in your heart.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COPING WITH FEAR THROUGH AWARENESS

Simply go about your day with awareness. Notice from moment to moment what you are thinking, feeling, and doing. Perform each task completely. Give your complete attention to each task. Do not multitask. Do one thing completely at a time. Perform each task with reverence, as if it were a sacred (not scared) duty, as if you are serving God. Imagine that a host of angels surrounds you, gazing  upon you with unconditional love and acceptance. When you find that you have traveled away, into the past or future, gently bring yourself back to the task at hand. Remind yourself that there is nothing more important than your serenity now in this moment.

AFFIRMATIONS OF TRUTH

The following are not merely positive affirmations: they are affirmations of Truth that you may repeat to help recondition your mind. Media and society are intent upon repeating negative, seemingly authoritative, pronouncements of negativity that only ingrain us more deeply in fear. You must apply yourself diligently if you are to rise above the ignorant world.

Ask God for more light. The more light you have, the better you can see while walking through the dark.

• I am safe.
• Courage flows abundantly into every cell of my body.
• Courage flows endlessly into my heart.
• Courage fills my mind.
• There is enough.
• I am enough.
• The universe provides for me abundantly.
• Grace flows freely to me.
• My cup runneth over! 
• I am open and receptive to the gifts that come to me.
• I am safe.

You might also read this very positive affirming passage from the Bible. You can always substitute the name of your own higher power or change any words to suit yourself. Our school is never about religion; it is about spirituality; and we honor spirituality in all its forms, so please never allow yourself to be offended when I mention different sacred texts and names for God. I can only mention the ones I know, so if I leave something out, you can always let me know!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

This message was posted in the past, and some of you may remember it, but I have changed it and made it new here and now.