Before you answer the question above, let me introduce the six core emotions, universally present across the globe, in each of us, and in our respective lives.

Joy

Sadness

Fear

Anger

Disgust

Surprise

Joy. Sadness. Fear. Anger. Disgust. Surprise

Fear often remains the dominant emotion in situations we tend to avoid. While it is universally present in each of us, it has a meaning of its own, derived from our unique life experiences.

The meaning you attached to your fear then becomes the driving force of your decisions and also your behaviour.

Meaning & Fear

Let’s find the meaning of your fear together.

Grab your pen and a notepad

Sit down in a quiet place, take 3 deep breaths, and then answer this:

Is there anything you have been avoiding lately?

Write your response in as much detail as possible, and then re-read your response slowly and mindfully. Pick what you have written and try to underline the sentences that you find are being repeated.

Within these repeated statements will be the hidden meaning you may have attached.

Sometimes, while writing your response, it may help to draw on ideas and thoughts from the past to help you connect the dots; other times, you simply need to dig deeper, write more, think wider, and pour it all out on the paper, connect the dots, and let the meaning emerge.

At times, you may also need to take an intentional pause and revisit this work after a few days. This work is slow, will test your patience, requires candour, and can also be quite uncomfortable.

The role of fear is protection. Our Brains are wired for safety and survival, and fear is an emotion that stems from this need; our bodies sense when faced with external threats.

Fear itself is a sensation; the meaning we attach to it is the story that gives it power.

If your fear story needs support, I’m here for you.

Instead of avoiding what you need to face, explore this wonderful approach, and you can thank me later.

Warmly,

Mehnaz Amjad.