Meditation on Transforming Fear

Our meditation on fear explores what fear is all about and how to transform it into its opposite, love. This is adapted from a meditation by Corinne McLaughlin from the Center for Visionary Leadership.

It’s been said that the acronym F.E.A.R. stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear is often just our minds producing imaginary stories and projecting them into our future. Another saying is that LOVE is the antidote to fear. I think both of these sayings are true.

We all have many fears…..fear of change and uncertainty about the future, isolation, illness, confrontation, violence, rejection, losing control, financial loss, failure, abandonment, etc. Often we really believe in the truth and validity of our fears (false evidence appearing real) and everyone has fears of one kind or another whether we deny them or not.

It’s helpful to see fear as a normal part of us, a part of us that wants to survive, to continue in a way that is known, familiar and above all safe. But our fears are not all of who we are. We also have courage, love, compassion, caring, connection, and other soulful qualities that we can draw upon as we sit with our fears. In fact, it should be a daily practice to do just that, sit with our fears and send our fearful thoughts and feelings compassion and comfort so that they don’t take over our lives.

Our modern culture is awash with fear, often perpetuated by the media which sensationalizes crimes, wars, disease, terrorism, and environmental disasters. Fear also promotes the “Us vs. Them” mentality between countries, cultures and races as well as individuals. Let’s remember that the outside world has always been and will always be chaotic and full of problems, while the peace we aspire to cultivate within ourselves is our only true source of refuge, strength and resilience.

There will be several periods of silence during this meditation on fear.

Length: 22 Minutes
Facilitator: Laurie Ferreri
Categories: Healing, Love & Loving Kindness, Self Care

Like this meditation? Attend a live meditation class or listen to another guided meditation by Laurie Ferreri.