Mindfulness and fear. When we meet fear with mindfulness, we practice noticing the fear with mindful awareness. We meet It with kindness and curiosity, treating ourselves with compassion. With curiosity, we become interested in the source of the fear. We might become curious about what in us needs to be brought into the light of awareness.
One of our habitual patterns of the mind is to turn away from aspects of ourselves that we fear or perceive as difficult or unappealing and sometimes shameful. These are the aspects of ourselves that are typically in most need of our lovingkindness, compassion, and kind attention.
The only way to ease our fear and be truly happy is to acknowledge our fear and look deeply at its source. Instead of trying to escape from our fear, we can invite it up to our awareness and look at it clearly and deeply.
Thich Nhat Hahn
When we are feeling afraid or inadequate to the moment, the ability to slow and deepen the breath activates our capacity to relax and be present with what we would typically turn away from. This is the beginning of the path to freedom from suffering.
Pause. Breathe. Soften and Relax. As you breathe in, feel the heart space expanding. As you breathe out, feel your heart soften and open to receive. Welcome yourself into your own heart with loving-kindness and compassion. Notice mindfulness and fear growing into a loving partnership.
Learn more about Jen Johnson’s mindfulness coaching services. Or if you’re ready to sign up for mindfulness coaching, contact Jen to schedule an appointment.