We spend our lives trying to be the observers of the catastrophe, rather than being in the catastrophe. 

Turns out, neither is a great place to be. 

First of all, my heart goes out to all the people of the Ukraine who are fleeing or fighting in an untenable situation, and all the people of Russia and those around the world that are extending help as well as those who are watching, praying, hoping and sending money and support. 

The displays of hope and love are juxtaposed with images of horror and destruction.  

Everyone wants safety, and only some of us have it right now. But for most of the safe people, it doesn’t tend to feel that way. 

Even before this latest tragedy, how safe did you feel?

How much of your day was spent in the anxiety of avoiding catastrophe?

And how many times did that catastrophe happen?

Write out the ratio: 10:0? 1000:1?

The epidemic of fear is sneaky because it invades anytime, anywhere, even when (and sometimes especially when) there is no threat. 

“But what if…?” you might say. 

Yes, you can stay there in that fearful place if you choose but it’s not helping anyone, mostly you.

When we can start to see through the many lies that fear tells us, we can see that it is not in fact real in this moment.

People in the Ukraine are fleeing. That is real fear. 

But what we don’t realize is that the thoughts and feelings of anxiety that you have in the safety of your home feel very real, but are not based in truth.

I hear you, I have had anxiety many times during my life. It really feels uncomfortable and small and prevents you from truly living. 

It is time to face this epidemic of fear head on. Call out the lies it tells you and stop living in fear of the future. 

Forms of fear are the root of all wars. 

Fear adds to or causes physical and emotional illness, disease and chronic pain.

Our nervous systems are scanning our environment 4 times every second for perceived threat. This is not your fault! 

It is how we have survived so far as a species. But now that if you are reading this, you are not running from a predator, the biggest threat is coming from inside you in this moment. 

There are so many ways we can turn the table on fear and start to live from a different place. 

Only you can face your own fears. No-one can do it for you. 

And when we operate without fear, the changes on this planet will be of greater magnitude. 

We will face and love our neighbours.

We will end old destructive patterns that feed fear. 

We will stop hating on facebook and gossiping about others. 

We will stop being afraid to show up and express our true, creative selves. 

(There is a reason fearful governments ban artists: creativity is freedom and leads to insight and solutions!)

It’s time to see the end of fear.  And the only time you can see it is in this very moment. Now.

You will survive well without it, and when you need it, it will be there to fight-flight-freeze in spades!

What if you made safety in your nervous system your #1 priority?

For now….

Breathe deeper and slower,

Relax muscle tension,

and start to notice that you are safe,

Despite what your mind or body might tell you.

“Fear is the cheapest room in the house.
I would like to see you living
In better conditions.”

Hafiz

I’ll see you there soon,

Madeleine