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I am afraid of things that I shouldn't be, and I would like to change that. I've been working on this for a long time using exposure therapy and such, and of course I'll keep trying to face it on my own, but progress is slow. Do you guys know of anything that could help with this?

Thanks

Is it possible for you to tell us what your fears are of, exactly? I would be happy to try and help you both on a psychological level and a spiritual one as well, but I need a little more info before deciding how to proceed If it is too upsetting to talk about specifically, I understand. You are also welcome to message me privately if you don't want to write about it in public.

No problem. What I'm really trying to do is get rid of all fear. I think the fear itself is more damaging that anything it might help me avoid. But my two biggest ones are falling and getting hurt (while rock climbing, doing gymnastics or anywhere there's a chance of that) and of embarrassing myself in public.

Let me say first that the removal of any one emotion entirely is something I would strongly advise against. Our minds and emotional states exist as they are for a reason, and balance is something you should work towards, not the removal completely. Such a thing would likely have very unfortunate repercussions.

Have you identified the root and source of your fears via therapy or counseling at any point? That is an excellent place to start. I hope the person managing your exposure therapy has done this. If they have not, you should seek out a better therapist.

I also suggest finding an object that triggers a memory or a sensation of safety. Something that reminds you of something you truly love. Meditating while recapturing that memory or sensation of security and happiness once a night for a good long while, and then keep that object with you. ONLY meditate with it on that specific imagery for a while. Don't bring it with you until you've done maybe...three months or so of this meditation.

These are some of the easier fixes, but let me know how they work out for you. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

I could argue with you on that first point. But maybe a better way to say it is not that I'm trying to remove the survival instinct, which can be a useful tool, but just to gain control over it and be able to quiet it when I want. As for therapy, I've had enough of it in my life that it's taught my to psychoanalyze myself constantly. I know myself better than any psychologist ever has. I've always been aware of the origin of most of my behavior, but that knowledge won't just make it disappear in a puff of smoke.

Thanks for the idea. I might try that. I'll have to look around for a suitable object. Out of curiosity, if these are the easier fixes, what are the hard ones?

It seems like you've educated yourself right on past the more complex solutions. It sounds like you are on the right path to helping yourself! Good luck!

Literally the only way to override the survival instinct is suicide. We occultists tend to forget the limits of magick and believe all things possible, sometimes to a supernatural extent. The simple fact is you're as likely to override basic biological drives as you are to reverse the spin of the earth. No matter how suicidal one's mind, the body will still fight the noose.

You should expose yourself to your fears for brief periods of time. As you feel more confident, lengthen the exposure time until the fear passes and you become comfortable with what you were previously afraid of.

Self-hypnosis techniques may also be helpful.

Hi,
Fear of a chronic nature is a terrible thing to live with. Can you tell me if you've had any professional help with this? How long has it been going on and can you provide some detail as to the nature of some of your fears and any patterns such as time of day or night or situations that bring it about? You may want to search the net regarding illnesses like depression and chronic anxiety disorders. Are you on any medications? These can also play a significant role. Be strong and patient.

Lynx wrote:I am afraid of things that I shouldn't be, and I would like to change that. I've been working on this for a long time using exposure therapy and such, and of course I'll keep trying to face it on my own, but progress is slow. Do you guys know of anything that could help with this?

Thanks

The only way you can take away your fears is to get strengthen your heart and tell yourself that you are not coward, say to yourself that you can face any kind of challenge regardless of anything. Getting self belief can to instrumental in combating your fears.