Sitting With Fear

So far this year we have experienced so many major life changes that have affected us all in different ways, but a common—and completely normal—reaction you may be experiencing is fear. Some of you may be well aware of what fear feels like, but for some, this feeling of fear may be new so let me give a simple definition—Merriam Webster states that fear is “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.” 

So, if fear is such an unpleasant and strong emotion, what purpose does it serve?

Typically, the emotion of fear is a result of us becoming aware of potential danger. Fear is what cues our bodies to fight, flight, or freeze—this is our body’s way of trying to protect us from the perceived danger. Sometimes fear shows up due to uncertainty because uncertainty can also feel dangerous. 

So, if fear is showing up because of uncertainty about the future,

the pandemic, the protests, the riots, etc.; what do we do with it? 

I am going to encourage you to sit with it. This is the process of coupling becoming still and the act of noticing without judgment.

When we experience a strong emotion like fear it can feel overwhelming and cause us to avoid or ignore it. Though when we ignore or avoid a strong emotion, we never find out why it showed up in the first place. Further ignoring or avoiding it can even make the feeling stronger. Instead, sitting with our strong emotion allows us the time to feel it. 

What do you mean feel it? 

Well, when we actively pause and allow ourselves to feel the emotion, we can observe the thoughts and feelings the emotion brings. Therefore, when sitting with a strong emotion it is important to be in a comfortable, safe environment where you can focus on your emotion and breathe through it. As you sit with your emotion you may begin to feel the emotion—this may look like sweating, or manifest as a stomachache, etc. When we focus on our breathing, we actively calm our bodies. Sitting with our emotions can be challenging and takes some practice.

At NCTP our therapists are trained to guide you through it. So, if the world and its changes have brought up strong emotions and you would like help learning to sit with them contact us at (615) 268-3344, email at info@nashvilletherapy.co or inquire online at nashvilletherapy.co 

Authored by: Emily Stewart, Intern

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