Transformation Series Part I: Confronting Fear

Growth is a challenging thing. It’s painful and frustrating and scary. When we are confronted with an opportunity for growth we often find ourselves in a holding pattern. And, whether we care to admit this to ourselves or not, it is most often because we are afraid. In order to move through this heavy cloud of fear, we have to acknowledge it, confront it, and, eventually, make the decision to walk through it. What are we afraid of? Are we fearful of how dark it might get while we are moving through this shift? Are we afraid of the unknown?  Fear of loss? Fear of failing? Take a moment to pause. What automatic thought comes forward for you? Name it. Acknowledge it. Know that it is okay to be afraid. If we aren’t afraid, we aren’t growing. 

Acknowledging the Fear

What comes up for you when you name your fear? What emotion do you feel? Where is it resting within your body? Is it manifesting as an ache or chronic pain? Who do you think of? Are you feeling guilt or shame? Take a moment to name your fear, feel it in your body, notice what it brings up for you. As you do this, honor whatever arises with gentleness, love, and compassion. What you are feeling is valid, allow it to flow through you, and know this too shall pass. 

Confronting the Fear

We’ve honored the experience of being afraid, and allowed that to flow through us, now is the time to confront the emotion and pain. Is it serving you to remain stagnant, and resist transformation, coming from a place of anxiety and apprehension? Do you want to continue to exist in your current state or are you seeking expansion and growth? Are you ready to release what no longer serves you? What could you gain by taking the first step towards change? Will you let fear stand in the way? It’s easy to give snap-judgment answers here. Of course you want to grow! Of course you won’t let fear stand in the way! But, what will you do when fear joins you unexpectedly on your path? What happens when it gets dark and you begin to yearn for “the old way?” Meditate, journal, draw, move… take some time to reflect on these questions. Allow ego to fade away and truly listen to your inner voice. When we take a moment to check-in with our higher selves, we can be sure we are working in line with what is best for us and make decisions from a grounded, authentic place. 

Making the Decision

Making the decision to walk into what makes us afraid is not easy, even if we are leaving behind what no longer serves us. We are programmed to run, freeze, or fight when we feel threatened. We are not conditioned to calmly walk into the storm. You are not alone in this journey. Know that many others are walking a parallel path and have their moments of feeling just as afraid, just as alone, and just as uncertain as you feel in this moment. You are more powerful than your fear; allow it to be a companion on your journey.  Use fear as a tool to fuel your inner strength and desire the transform. You are the creator of your own destiny. Take the first step.

~ Sarah