Bring Your Fears Down to Size

Magic is a fascinating thing, whether you believe in it or not. When you are faced with a huge, stressful situation, it helps to be able to do SOMETHING creative, rather than just sit around feeling helpless. It takes a bit of coordination and focus to any kind of activity like a magic ritual or making a cup of tea. This can greatly help you to relax just after stressful situations. Although it would be great if someone came along to rescue us whenever we get into trouble, that rarely happens (if ever). You don’t need to believe in supernatural or divine forces in order to get the benefit of a magic ritual.

The following is a little ritual that I made up. It helps bring my fears down to size. I hope it helps you, too. And if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, then don’t. It’s okay.

Getting Ready

All you really need is a pen, paper and some time where you can’t be disturbed. That’s the basics. If that doesn’t make you feel that this occasion is "magical" enough, then you can play favorite music on a CD, light a candle or wear a certain piece of jewelry or clothing item that helps you feel beautiful and powerful. The last time I did this, I sat in my usual chair in front of my fish tank with a cup of tea close by and U2’s Achtung Baby on the boom box. I wore my pajamas, but that’s beside the point.

The Ritual

Get some time when you know you can be alone. Turn off the phone and hang up a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door, if you have to. Take as long or as short a time as you want. Turn on your music, sit down, breathe deeply and take some time to relax. Think about what it is you fear. Get it clearly defined. Then, when you’re ready, get your pen and paper and write it down.

After you’ve written your fear down, put your pen down and take a good look at the writing. Even if you’ve filled the page up, your writing is still smaller than you are. Imagine that the words describing your fear are a physical representation of what you fear. And it’s still a lot smaller than you are. This will help you really see that you have the power to bring your fears down to size.

If you want, you can throw the paper out or just put it aside. Take a few more deep breaths, thank whatever Deity your want (or not) and reward yourself with a little snack.

Please let us know what you think about this post. No time to comment, Nothing in particular to say? Just click a star or stumble us