Fear, or faith?

At any and every moment, we have a choice to be in fear, or faith. This is life. Our thoughts tell us what to think or believe about life, and sometimes, they are relentlessly challenging.  I honestly believe if we question our thoughts -- especially those that ignite fear -- we will ultimately develop faith that life is not doing things to us, but is there for us.

This is an ongoing endeavor. It is particularly challenging when something in your life is going through a major change and uncertainty reigns. Many of us are experiencing this, and many of us are experiencing significant fear.

Fear is not just an emotional experience. It is a physical experience. Some get adrenaline rushes. Others get sick to their stomach, or break out in a rash. Some become accident prone. When this is ongoing, fear, in the form of stress or anxiety, can wreak havoc on our bodies and make us sick. It's helpful to have a way to relieve ourselves of this.

Here's what I know from experience: cultivating your connection to the divine, through meditation and other forms of quiet practice like prayer, breathing techniques, and contemplation, just to name a few, is the only long-term answer to quieting our minds, letting go of fear,  and finding peace. Over time, it helps us remain centered, even in the midst of chaos. It cultivates faith and trust.  It is the answer to our prayers.

I practice prayer and meditation. I read inspiring texts.  I practice a form of stress relief called kriya yoga. I question my thoughts. I meet with spiritual counselors. And, like others, I sometimes make up reasons to not do this work. It can feel hard to let go of the stuff going on in our lives, get quiet and be with ourselves. Just be. However, every time I do, I am so glad. It makes a huge difference. Over time, it helps me stay more and more centered in the present moment, and less and less reactive to my thoughts or the things going on around me. I develop faith and trust that life is for me. I feel happier and more at peace. I feel more love.

Fear, or faith? How do you manage this? What do you do to help yourself stave off the ravages of fear and embrace the balm of faith?

Love,
Andrea