Facing Fears: Mind Over What Matters

From Friggatriskaidekaphobia — fear of Friday the 13^th – to Arachnophobia — fear of spiders — fear can haunt us. It can rob us of some of our power so it pays to know how to take those matters in hand. If you have phobias like those above, chances are you’ve learned how to deal with those. It’s not that hard to step around spiders!

But what if you’re afraid of more day-to-day events, like trying something new like writing a book or taking a risk, or speaking in front of large crowds? It doesn’t make much difference what scares you, whatever it is you may be able to overcome it or at least to find a way to work around your fear. I was quite frightened about speaking in front of crowds but my job required it so I had to find a way to overcome that fear. I did what I most often do when I need to learn something — I sought out books on the topic. I learned a couple of things. First, there’s a book about practically everything. Secondly, not all of the advice you get is useful.

One book suggested a public speaker could quiet the nerves by imagining everyone in the room in their underwear. I have no idea how that was supposed to make me feel better. At my next event I attempted to picture the audience in their underwear but that mental image just made me all the more jumpy. My clothes hide a myriad of body parts I’d rather not have the world gawking at and imagining similar hideous body parts in a room full of strangers? Let’s just say that’s not a calming image. Continue reading →