Below are two great resources I’ve tapped into when I find myself paralysed by fear; which reaffirms the Mindfulness Practice of being inclusive of what ever arises.
Practicing being inclusive during yoga postures, seated meditation and most importantly what ever comes up in your daily life is the key to making fear and anxiety your loyal allies rather than something to try and get rid of. Generally when we push something away by the very nature of adding resistance we strengthen it.
Here is a much loved passage from my favourite author Dan Millman:
“Anxiety indicates a strong desire to succeed. Fear generates alertness and caution and reminds you to prepare well and to protect yourself when necessary. You don’t worry unless you care. Concern reveals thoughtfulness and sensitivity. Insecurity reflects a desire to do well and to prove yourself. Shyness reminds you that you just want to be liked and to make a good impression. Anger indicates passionate involvement or desire to be involved. Depression may indicate a sensitive soul, grieving for the world. Accepting your emotions sometimes means appreciating the positive lessons contained in negative emotions”
Everyday Enlightenment, Dan Millman
The next is one of my favourite poems:
FEARING PARIS
by Marsha Truman Cooper
Suppose that what you fear
could be trapped
and held in Paris.
Then you would have
the courage to go
everywhere in the world.
All the directions of the compass
open to you,
except the degrees east or west
of true north
that lead to Paris.
Still, you wouldn’t dare
put your toes
smack dab on the city limit line.
You’re not really willing
to stand on a mountainside,
miles away,
and watch the Paris lights
come up at night.
Just to be on the safe side
you decide to stay completely
out of France.
But then the danger
seems too close
even to those boundaries,
and you feel
the timid part of you
covering the whole globe again.
You need the kind of friend
who learns your secret and says,
“See Paris First.”
