Fear doesn’t always look like fear — sometimes it shows up as overthinking, putting off a decision or expecting the worst.
There is a lot to be afraid of right now. News about war, politics and extreme weather can leave us wondering what’s next. Closer to home, we may be concerned about our finances, our family, and even our own future. While here in Sri Lanka for my Level 3 Kundalini Yoga training, I’ve been reflecting on how we respond to fear and uncertainty. Being away from my usual routine has given me time to notice my own thoughts and reactions.
I revisited Yogi Bhajan’s January 1989 lecture, Unloading Your Pain and Fear I. Here are three teachings that’s worth reflecting on and how we might apply them especially in facing fear.
1. Pay attention to what needs care.
Pain is essentially a part of life, and can prompt us to act. So when fear comes, it signals what you need to pay attention to. Maybe to rest, a clearer boundary, a conversation you keep avoiding, or a problem you keep pushing aside. Fear often points to something we care about. We can listen without letting it make every decision.
Ask yourself: What needs my attention, and how is fear influencing what I do or avoid?
2. Practice consciousness, not commotion
Thinking can help us see clearly. It can also add to our worry. An unanswered message becomes rejection. One setback becomes proof we have failed. Not knowing becomes a prediction that things will go wrong. The practice is to pause and separate what actually happened from the story we are telling ourselves. That gives us more room to choose how to respond.
Ask yourself: What do I know for certain and what am I assuming, can I pause long enough to choose my next action?
3. Do your part. God is the Doer.
The spiritual teaching that “God is the doer” reminds us to act responsibly while accepting that we cannot control every result. We can prepare, ask for support and make a clear decision. Other people will still make their own choices, and circumstances may change. Our next step can be small: make the call, review the budget, have the talk. Do what is yours to do, then practice letting go of the outcome.
Ask yourself: What is mine to do now, , and what outcome am I trying to control?
Sometimes we need to settle ourselves before we can think clearly. Chanting gives the mind something steady to return to. Chanting Har Har Har Har Gobinday, a version of the Guru Gaitri Mantra traditionally practiced for prosperity and to help move beyond fear and habitual patterns.
Try chanting this mantra for three minutes in the morning and three minutes before bed. Sit comfortably in a straight spine:
Har Har Har Har Gobinday
Har Har Har Har Mukunday
Har Har Har Har Udaaray
Har Har Har Har Apaaray
Har Har Har Har Hariang
Har Har Har Har Kariang
Har Har Har Har Nirnamay
Har Har Har Har Akaamay
In kundalini yoga tradition, this mantra is associated with overcoming obstacles, strengthening determination and cultivating gratitude. Approach it as a practice, allowing yourself to notice its effects without expecting a particular result. After chanting, sit quietly and ask: What is one clear thing I can do today?
The fear may still be there. That’s fine. Notice it, and take your next step.
In loving service,
Rosan
