Taking on Other’s Fears
Fear can be mesmerizing and contagious. News outlets know this, which is likely why most reports are about catastrophes and suffering. We are inundated with stories about epidemics, housing and stock market dips, recessions, wars, extreme weather events, deflating economies, and more.
Unless one is extremely vigilant, it is easy to get caught up in others’ fears. As fear weakens our energetic field, when we allow ourselves to be caught in webs of fear generated by news and other organizations, we compromise our immune system and mental health.
The following story is an example of how we can also inadvertently take on another’s phobia.
STORY: Fear of Heights
I invited a dear friend to join me for several days on my favorite isolated island and abandoned homestead. We both looked forward to our time together and the many trails and sights we’d explore.
Off to the side of the cabin, there were two large rock formations. Climbing to the top offered a spectacular view of the ocean and nearby islands. Part way up, there was a narrow ridge that was wide enough to place one’s feet, however, you had to slightly lean over the edge to navigate past a rock that jutted outward overhead. Over the years, I had fearlessly traveled this route many times.
Excited to show my friend the view, we began our trek early one morning. When we reached the narrowest portion of the ridge with the jutting rock overhead, she froze and refused to go any further. The path too narrow to turn around, meant that to get down, she needed to walk backwards for a few feet.
Paralyzed by fear, she couldn’t move forward or backwards. Talking slowly and calmly, I encouraged her to inch backwards one tiny step at a time. Eventually, she’d edged back enough to turn her body around and climb down. We quickly forgot about what had happened and enjoyed the rest of our stay.
The following year, I returned on my own. Once settled in, I looked forward to visiting my view once again. When I reached the narrow edge with the jutting rock overhead, I froze. Surprised and determined to reach the top, I tried to take a step forward. I couldn’t move. Every muscle in my body had tensed to the point of immobility.
While taking several deep breaths, I rationalized the situation. It felt as though I’d stepped into a vortex of residual fear energy from our previous visit. I decided to abandon the climb. It took several more tries before I finally cleared the fear.
Blessings,
Hannelore
This piece is in my book, Prosperity & Miracles