Living Fearlessly in a "Frightening" World

• We are living in a time of great flux. Each day we realize just how little is certain. This precariousness is fear-inducing, and one of our human biases is to try and cope with unpredictability by grasping at the illusion of certainty.

 
We experience fear when there’s a perceived threat which we have no control over.  Our reaction is to diminish the threat or try to control it.  But sometimes we overcompensate like using too much bleach on our hands to fight off the virus, and ending up at the doctor’s office with irritated skin, nasal passages, and eyes.
 
The complete disruption of our lives, the unpredictability of each day, and the constantly evolving discoveries about this virus are awakening fear and panic in and exacerbating anxiety for many people.
 
As you go through this difficult time ask yourself, “are my emotions and thinking serving me well?” 
 
Becoming aware of our fear is an important first step.  By acknowledging that we are afraid, we are then empowered to begin skillfully dealing with it.  Below are some of the things we do have control over:

• Get to know your Fear:   Sit and breathe deeply to calm to yourself.  Then let the fear surface in your mind.  Avoid getting caught up in it.  Objectively examine it and ask yourself, “What exactly am I afraid of?” “Is it a reasonable fear?” “Will this actually happen if I take all the precautions or is my mind conjuring unrealistic scenarios?” “How can I prepare and keep myself and my family safe?”

 

• Widen the Lens.  If you discover that news reports increases your fear, then switch news outlets, or take a break from the news altogether.  You could read uplifting news stories about people and communities who creatively deal with challenges (Solutionsjournalism.org). 

 

• Shift your Focus.  Find other things to do: meditate, clean, cook, craft, garden, listen to music, join a virtual study group, and especially exercise, which will boost immunity, emotional and mental health.

 

• Change your Thinking.  Words have power; how we name or think about a situation affects us. A change in attitude about social distancing, travel restrictions, and long lines at grocery stores can be reframed as opportunities for you to spend time with yourself, save money, and grow your patience.  Be creative.

 

• Think of Others.  Even though we can’t physically be with others now, we can maintain connection and contact. We can call people, send them cards, or even donate to food banks, or to those who have lost their jobs.

We are naturally resilient and compassionate.  Billions of people are sacrificing and cooperating by practicing patience, kindness, and altruism with the intention of overcoming this pandemic.  By keeping our fear in check and reframing our attitude as we undergo this pandemic experience we will emerge from it feeling proud of ourselves.
 
May you, your family, friends, and neighbors be free from fear and remain safe.

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