How to Uproot Fears

Dear Krishnakripa,

Thank you for this question. It’s very important to work energetically to uproot fear and unwanted imagination. Of course, the two go hand in hand.

If we imagine the worst, it will make us fearful. And if we are fearful, we tend to imagine the worst.

There is not a “quick fix” for this, but rather a direction to move in.

Find a spiritual path that is deep and integrous. I wholeheartedly recommending exploring the spiritual teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda.

If you live near Delhi or Pune, try to connect with our Ananda centers there, since one of the greatest ways to overcome fears is through satsang (spiritual fellowship) with other truthseekers.

Begin to learn a technique of meditation and practice it regularly. Fear is related to a part of our brain called the limbic system, and meditation is one of the foremost ways to “re-structure” the brain in such a way as to help calm the limbic system.

Cultivate love for God and your Guru. Love is also a strong antidote for fear.

The more we love God and begin to feel His love through our meditation and daily life, the less fearful we are.

Practice affirmations. Swami Kriyananda has written a wonderful book called Affirmations for Self-Healing. Choose an affirmation that is strengthening and use it as “medicine.” When you are in bed at night, repeat the affirmation for 5-minutes before sleep. Immediately upon awakening, repeat the affirmation for 5 minutes before you get out of bed. Also use the affirmation through the day.

Practice making affirmation a habit, so that you train your mind to revolve around positive, strength-increasing thoughts, instead of fearful, weakening thoughts.

In the same way, practice re-training your imagination. Imagine beautiful things. Imagine the lives of the saints and their goodness, stories from their lives.

Imagination is a powerful quality in human beings. Use it in that way and it may become a great help to you.

Blessings and joy to you,
Anandi