In ThetaHealing, the two most foundational approaches to digging for beliefs are via Fear and Resentment. In this post, we will focus on the topic of Fear.
By “Fear Work”, we are referring to the “digging” work to undercover and identify the deepest fear that underlies all other fears, and releasing them to the light. Fear programmes1 take up space, block our abilities, and negatively influence our choices in many ways. At the same time that they may be surface flags for deeper-rooted issues, they also rear their heads at us in the form of negative emotions or behaviour. ThetaHealing is a very effective tool2 to release fear programmes and replace them with more supportive and positive ones, so we can make better decisions and choices from an empowered position.
- Note that the dysfunctional fear programmes are different from the natural human emergency response of fear. Our inbuilt “fight-or-flight” defence mechanism is very important for our survival.
- Releasing fear programmes at their root clears them from our belief systems. I find it more effective and permanent than positive affirmations or visualisations (described at the later part of this post).
Ever wondered why people procrastinate? It is more than a matter of laziness. Ever wondered why some people are so indecisive? Or why they are such perfectionists?
There can be all kinds of different root causes behind these why’s. The common denominator to these questions is that they hold us stagnant and keep us where we are. It helps us feel safe, and keeps us in our comfort zone. You may like to ask yourself, is this zone a good place to remain in? Am I really happy in here, or is there a more satisfying or purposeful place I can move towards?
“People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls.”
~ Carl G. Jung
Fear has many ways of disguising itself. Procrastination could be a fear of failure, or maybe even a fear of success. Or a fear of the unknown, or a fear of judgment, or a fear of rejection. Procrastination keeps us from taking action, and it keeps us from finding out the outcome, and tada~ it keeps us safe. Similarly, with indecisiveness. It can also be a matter of self-doubt arising from a poor decision made in the past; or past experiences of external spanners thrown into the works; or feeling we are not good enough, not worthy enough, of the outcome we hope for.
Perfectionism serves us in many ways, training us to be disciplined and meticulous, and most of the time, perfect. However, as perfectionists would know, it sucks tonnes of energy into maintaining those unrelenting standards we set for ourselves. It takes up so much time and effort to check time and again and again to ensure there is zero room for errors. Does it not fall into the the same traps as procrastination and indecisiveness? The root causes could be any of the above-mentioned fears. It can even be a fear of trusting others, or disappointing others, or accepting ourselves.
The next time you feel paralysed about having to take action or make decision, take three deep breaths, and recall the positive examples of times you achieved great outcomes. ( I personally keep a pocket full of poises – memories and feelings of different successful experiences – for this application! ) Let the positive memories decrease the fear. Visualise positive outcomes, let them replace the guises fear appears in.
Fear is afterall an emotion. Asking rational questions may help as well: what is the worst thing that can happen to you if you take what you find to be the optimal course of action? Anytime that some thing does not work out, it is an opportunity for growth. Accept the consequences of the action or decision and remember, if you do not act on it, you do not get to learn from it, whether it be a favourable or unfavourable outcome.
We are all works-in-progress, external events help us grow into better versions of ourselves.
Thank you onkelramirez1 for the background image https://pixabay.com/photos/cheetah-cat-sleep-zoo-nature-2641881/
Found a total sidetrack from this topic, but extremely useful nonetheless!
Procrastination can be a virtue! “Learn how to procrastinate wisely” is number 5 on the Six Secrets To True Originality https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/six-secrets-to-true-originality .
Leonardo da Vinci spent at least 16 years working, on and off, on the Mona Lisa, and many years on The Last Supper. He thought that he was dragging his heels and that he would amount to nothing. But, in fact, all the diversions, all these random things that he got curious about, led him to innovations in optics and light, which ultimately helped make him the Renaissance man.