Fearlessness

"Fearlessness" is a very desirable quality, an attitude to be nurtured. Media thrives on fear and anxiety. We need to consciously develop fearlessness and tune-into that vibe. This doesn't mean we become careless and sloppy.

Swami Vivekananda was an enlightened master and an inspiring speaker. He was the first yogi to go to the west from India. In some of his lectures he said "If at all i remember one thing from all the scriptures, which comes back again and again, it is Abhihi / Abhaya, Fearless. Be bold and fear not. Fear is weakness, fear is death, fear is sin, fear is hell, fear is unrighteousness."

Fear affects the immune system adversely. Fear drains the energy. Fear is not bad always. It is needed for survival. But constant fear and becoming paranoid is definitely enervating. Fear of the unknown / fear of death is called "Abhinivesha". It is one of the five kleshas as mentioned by Patanjali. It is a defect, a deficiency, an imperfection and an affliction. We need to work on it.

When you have time please listen to my three podcasts on Fearlessness and couple of other podcasts connected to that topic.

Practices to build Fearlessness:

• Know your fears : Spend a few minutes everyday to recognize and watch your fears.

• Observe the effect of fear in your body : Observe the effect of your fear in your body. Become more aware of what is happening in your body when fear arises in the mind.

• Deep belly breathing: When fear starts over powering, go for deep abdominal breathing. You can add counting to it. Do this for at least 3 to 5 mins.

• Face your fears : Most difficult but most effective method to release the energy caught up in the fear.

• Systematic Desentisation Techniques : Facing fears step by step. This is the essence of Tantric techniques. This helps in transcending the fear.

• Visualize : Visualize yourself fearless. Visualize a personality of fearlessness. The personality can be real or mythological. Visualize yourself as that person facing the fear.

For more inputs Listen to a number of Podcasts by Rishi Sudhir on Spotify.