I have heard that there are only 2 legitimate fears: fear we feel from a loud noise, and fear we feel from falling. Any other fears we have are irrational, “they say” (whoever they are). These make sense to me, and I usually do jump at the startle of a loud noise or if I am falling. And as in the movie Inception, I do wake up with a jolt when I’m falling in a dream. These 2 things turn on an instinctual response to take action if needed – so this is healthy.
But does that mean all other fears are “just in our heads”? We hear that phrase, but do we actually experience fear in the head? Are other fears really irrational? What do we do when we feel fear? Or why do we need to do anything about it at all? These are all good questions, but I won’t go off on these tangents today. However, I personally think the fear of being eaten alive by a lion would qualify as a legitimate fear, while agreeing the fear of 8-legged little creepy creatures might possibly go in the irrational category (fine, so call me irrational then).
Fear can overtake us. It comes from all aspects of life. Everyone feels it from time to time. We all need to learn how to deal with it.
When fear hits you, where do you feel it most? Many people will say in their gut. We feel stress and tension in various muscles throughout our body (often the neck and shoulders), but fear resides in our gut. The part that takes place in our heads (as that saying goes) are thoughts associated with the fear, but the energy initiating those thoughts originates in the gut.
It’s a shaky, unstable, uncertain feeling. It’s an uncomfortable, confusing, buzzing kind of vibration in the gut area. It’s designed to get your attention.
The gut is your center of gravity. In a state of fear the abdominal muscles clench up. This throws your balance off, even if it’s subtle. We physically stumble sometimes when in this state; so ironically, you could actually fall when you disrupt your center of gravity (maybe other fears aren’t irrational after all). Your energy condenses and focuses, readying for fight-or-flight. Energy and blood flow leave the brain and heart for slow, patient and calculated responses gearing you up for action. But this primal reflex is not always necessary. We continue to evolve as individuals and society, causing this to be less and less necessary and appropriate, and calm communication needs to fill in this space.
An important aspect of all of this is the diaphragm. We don’t breathe as deeply because our diaphragm is clenched or collapsed when we slump (which is a mild “hiding” response), which restricts airflow. The breath also slows down to put more energy into seeing and hearing for possible dangers. This draws away even more brain power and the ability for thinking calmly, rationally and objectively. However, Body is getting less oxygen so it feels a need to react quickly for survival. Hyperventilating could happen, as a frantic attempt to survive.
This part of the body (especially the diaphragm) is also the location of the third chakra. It is the center for: “I can” or “I can’t”. If this collapses from fear-mode you’re left to be tossed with the tides of life and pushed around and used by people. You get a sinking feeling of “I can’t”. So your energy responses accordingly and this center of gravity and this emotion reacts with “I can’t” in physical terms.
Think about it, fear is the equivalent of “I can’t”. If you knew you could do a thing you don’t have any fear, right. Your body responds in a confident manner, with strength and poise (your confident “I can” energy holds your body upright and aligned for optimum performance – breath, blood-flow, etc.) and your mind is clear and focused (moving forward with your goals, planning, actions, not entertaining worries, what-ifs and other options of what to do or “plan b”).
Have you ever noticed yourself or someone else in a state of fear? The body collapses at the center / gut. The energy holding your body upright scatters, dissipates, it vibrates chaotically. It’s told it can’t and so the energy there doesn’t know what to do or where to go. In your mind you question: What do I do? or Where do I go? It’s the same response as the energy in your gut. Frantic. Running in circles. You must calm down. Recenter yourself. Call your energy to come back, and find a state of “I can”. Proceed calmly and open your mind (clear the frantic, racing thoughts) for guidance, especially if you really can’t do a thing. Think: I can learn at the very least. And be humble to receive help from others.
“They say” we should count to 10 and take long, deep breaths. Breathe through it. Make a conscious effort to hold your body upright if you feel it clenching and collapsing. Shift your energy, thoughts and physical body. You can understand this subtle energy. You can take back the control. And you can find a place of “I can”. Sometimes it’s a process, instead of a one-time (immediate) event; be patient and kind with yourself.
Bliss and Abundance!!!
Hope Grace Roe 🙂
