Note: Non-Fear

I’m observing a lot of therapy sessions, and I keep a running list of new terms I learn. Last week, I added non-fear to the list. It’s about changing your relationship to the emotion. Psychology tells us that fear often shows up for a reason. It may be trying to protect something: your sense of safety, your relationships, a routine, or a version of yourself. But alongside fear exists the possibility of meeting it with something different: curiosity, acceptance, and trust. That’s non-fear. The ability to experience fear without being controlled by it. Next time you feel fear, ask yourself:

1. What is your fear trying to protect?

2. What are you afraid of losing?

3. If fear could offer advice (but not make the decision), what would you choose?