All of us are fearful about something or the other. Fear is a natural emotion that affects us because we think something unfortunate may happen to us physically or emotionally or in other ways. We need to realize that fear is an illusory feeling. If this negative emotion has a crippling grip on you, read on to find out how to overcome fear. This article is based on Hindu guru Swami Sivananda’s advice on how to handle fear and get peace of mind.
How to Overcome Fear
Develop Courage
We need to realize that we are not living in utopia. Countless dangers, calamities and perils are out there to which we may fall victim any time. The antidote to fear is to develop patience and courage. Do your daily tasks with presence of mind and fortitude. Think of yourself as a rock that stands firm amidst crashing waves. Courage under pressure will enable to triumph over even the most taxing circumstances.
Meditate on Courage
Whenever you find time, sit peacefully and let your mind dwell on the positive aspects of courage and the negative impact of fear. You will realize that most of our fears are unfounded. Most often we feel something bad might happen to us in the future. Overcome this fear by letting distant tomorrows take care of themselves. Perform today’s tasks with courage and leave the rest to divine will.
Enjoy Silence and Solitude
It is good to get away from the madding crowd once in a while. If you feel overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, go to a quiet peaceful place like a park or terrace top and relax yourself. Try yoga, pranayama and meditation to relax your body and mind. Meditation techniques induce relaxed awareness in the mind which will enable you to overcome the negative impact of fearful emotions.
The Lord God Made them All
If you feel persecuted by your boss or some others for some reason or the other, try not to harbor hatred and other negative emotions about them. The divine spark nestles in everyone, and sooner or later you can turn around your worst enemies by practicing understanding and unconditional love. When you feel fearful, pray to the lord to grant you courage, fortitude and mental strength. Do not hanker for material desires and attachments, and lead a simple, contented life.
Practice Relaxed Mindfulness
We need to realize that our body is just a perishable mortal coil and our mind is nothing but a bundle of unconnected thoughts that chatter on incessantly throughout the day. So, there is no point in being attached to the body or mind. To overcome fear, practice relaxed mindfulness as much as possible. Observe how fear affects your body and mind. Mindful awareness of negative emotions like fear will weaken their impact and you will be able to overcome them without resorting to outside help or medications.
Summary
Fear and anxiety are common feelings that evoke stress, tension, depression and other negative emotions. Face your fears squarely and tell yourself you are prepared to handle the worst scenarios with grace and courage. A calm and cool attitude towards life’s vicissitudes will enable to you handle any situation with presence of mind and awareness. Put your mind over matter to overcome fear and enjoy peace of mind.
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