the trance of fear

I feel called to write about two very diverse topics. At first I was going to write them together but now decided to split into two post. In the last 24 hours I have spoken with two people very dear to me immobilized by the trance of fear. I use that word very deliberately, trance. Here is a dictionary definition: a half-conscious state characterized by an absence of response to external stimuli. What I have witnessed in myself and others is when that level of fear sticks, we tend to fall into a trance, no longer in touch with any form of reality, swept away by nameless, formless fears. It can be like falling into a pit where escape feels impossible and it seems the fear will never end. The body often becomes extremely agitated and the mind is lost in a sea of wild disaster scenarios piling up, threatening to bury us. We imagine we will never feel differently, never enjoy life again, never pull out of this nightmare. Yet somehow we do. Here are some very specific tools I am recommending to pull out of the trance. I recommend you write a note to yourself, a love letter that reminds you that this state is temporary and will end. Perhaps give a list of suggestions to yourself to ease the panic. Each of us would have a different list but suggestions are a hot mineral and/or salt bath, moving, going outside, dancing, singing, having a special book or object that soothes you, calling a grounded friend, working with a trusted professional. Perhaps write a note telling yourself that you love yourself and that you will be fine. Drink a tea or something soothing. Keep your breath deep and long. Come in with a dialogue reminding yourself that this is a temporary state that will end. Know that you are not alone but are surrounded by a loving energy of support from guides, teachers, lineages you may be involved with, angels, ancestors whatever works for you. Surround yourself with beauty and comfort from lovely statues, photographs or paintings to soft flannel or cotton sheets to wrap yourself in comfort. Sooth yourself as you would a young child. Say to yourself all is well even though you cannot believe it perhaps in the moment. Read something uplifting, hug a teddy bear from childhood. These are just a few suggestions. The main thing is to remind yourself you are in the trance of fear, it is not real, it will end and you will come out of the tunnel. If you can fully feel the fear without pushing it away, just dive into the raw emotion and feel it in your body, you will begin to deconstruct the fear and remove it from cellular memory. Say kind and loving things to yourself, perhaps keep a list of what you love most about yourself. Know this to shall pass and all will be well.