Before you answer the above question, let me introduce the six core emotions, universally present across the globe and 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 experiences of life.

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

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Meaning & Fear

Let’s together find the meaning of your fear.

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 you with ideas, thoughts from the past that can 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 certain times, you may also need to give this work an intentional pause and revisit it after a few days. This work is slow, will test your patience, seeks candour and can also be quite discomforting.

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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 body senses 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.