Replace Fear with Faith

Fear can be an insidious thing...sometimes it sneaks up on us in the wee hours of the morning or when we're driving in our car, anticipating the day ahead.  It can be like a snake that winds its way through our psyche and makes us doubt ourselves.

It may be fear of lack, fear of the future, fear of death, or fear of the violence and hatred in the world around us. For some, fear of others who are different than themselves becomes like a tight, gnarled black energy within that can lead to hateful acts.Whatever form it takes in our lives, it can be a very real presence that impacts our lives and prevents us from realizing our potential.

So what do we do with fear?  How do we free ourselves from its grip?  Conventional society tells us to medicate our fears: drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs can all temporarily numb the panic.  But it will return, if we don't address the root cause, if we are not willing to look within ourselves, examine and identify our fears and replace the energy of anxiety or panic with the energy of love, faith and hope.

Of course, this is easier said than done, but a simple meditative exercise is to use visualization:
Take a few moments to be still, to breathe deeply, to look within and identify any feelings of fear, doubt or anxiety.  Visualize these as that dark, snakelike energy and then use your breath to move them up and out.  Continue to breathe deeply and slowly, now visualizing a space in the middle of your chest, just above your heart and filling the space with the rose colored energy of love.  Imagine that energy moving out to encircle you, and then further out to encircle your loved ones. Pray for fear to be replaced with faith and love and then trust that all will be well.