Meditation for a fear-free life
You don't like climbing ladders because you're afraid of heights? Do your palms get sweaty whenever you have to speak in front of other people? Or are you afraid of spiders, no matter how small? Other people find it difficult to cope with being alone, or they are plagued by vague fears of illness, loss, or terrible events of any kind.
The destructive power of fears
When those affected are confronted with their phobia, they suffer both mentally and physically: their heart rate increases, and shortness of breath, dizziness, and weakness are not uncommon. A feeling of oppression in the chest area is also typical symptoms. Internal restlessness and tension spread, which can culminate in panic attacks. This often starts a "vicious circle": the original phobia is accompanied by the "fear of fear," which causes the problems to become entrenched and increasingly disruptive to life over time. The consequences include tension, social withdrawal, depression, or the inability to work. In these situations, many sufferers hope for quick relief through alcohol, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers, and thus slide into fatal addictions.
Confronting fear with yoga
Instead of putting yourself at risk of addiction, try using yoga to release your fear blocks! With relaxation, breathing, and physical exercises , yoga helps you transform paralyzing blocks into positive energies. One recommended exercise is the child's pose: Get into a quadruped position and let your buttocks sink onto your heels. Bend your upper body forward until your forehead touches the floor. Place your arms outstretched at your sides with your palms facing upward. Remain in this position for a few breaths, feeling your inner tension dissipate and the earth reliably supporting you, giving you security. The moon salutation and all exercises that strengthen the Muladhara chakra in the pelvic floor also offer valuable support.
Meditation as a remedy for anxiety
In meditation, you concentrate entirely on the moment and sense yourself. Unclouded by external distractions, your subtle perception allows you access to your emotional and thought world. This allows you to get to know and see through your fears, thereby taking away their terror.
Breathing meditation as a form of mindfulness meditation
Find a quiet, undisturbed place and make yourself comfortable in the lotus position or on a chair. Begin by taking several deep breaths, then finding a steady breathing rhythm. Consciously feel your chest rise and fall and your breath flow through your nose. This should ideally create a balance between concentration and relaxation. After initially paying attention only to your breathing, you can later allow other thoughts to enter your mind. Don't judge them, but simply guide them gently in the desired direction, while continuing to breathe calmly.
Spend five to twenty minutes on this exercise. At the end, you can either return to your surroundings on your own or receive a pleasant signal.
You should only allow thoughts of frightening situations to enter your mind once you've mastered this meditation technique. Acknowledge your fears without judgment and allow yourself sufficient time: At some point, you should be able to simply block out such thoughts and instead remain unburdened in a state of inner peace. By repeatedly confronting your fears "virtually," they lose their threatening nature, and you can face them more confidently in reality.
If your fears are deeply rooted, you should also seek therapeutic treatment. Professional help is also necessary for panic attacks and nervous breakdowns.
Image © faithie
