The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. – Franklin D Roosevelt
Source: http://www.epa.eu/photos
Unfortunately, one of the ripple effects of a traumatic event, is anxiety and fear. When we have experienced or witnessed an event which has threatened our life or safety, or that of others around us, it can lead to feelings of intense helplessness and uncertainty.
We may experience:
- Re-living the traumatic event – We may experience intense emotional or physical reactions, such as sweating, heart palpitations or panic when reminded of the event.
- Being overly alert or wound up – We may experience sleeping difficulties, irritability and lack of concentration, becoming easily startled and constantly on the lookout for signs of danger.
- Avoiding reminders of the event – We may deliberately avoid activities, places, people, thoughts or feelings associated with the event because they bring back painful memories.
- Feeling emotionally numb – We may experience a loss of interest in day-to-day activities, or feel cut off and detached from friends and family, or feel emotionally flat and numb.
These thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming, and in order to heal these wounds, I have found we need to face these feelings honestly. We need to accept and tolerate these feelings, and to express and release them over time.
A Meditation
Find a quiet place to sit.
Place the palm of your hand on your stomach and the other hand over your heart. Begin breathing slowly and deeply.
Notice how your breath calms you and connects you.
Allow your feelings to be present.
Feel them rise up and breathe them out deeply.
Notice how the intensity passes when you allow yourself to breathe deeply.
Connect to the stillness around you. Allow your fears to release.
May everyone affected by the tragedies in Paris, find peace.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Yes, breathing like this helps.
But it is so much more than Paris. Syria. Beirut. Every day in our world there is some kind of terrorist attack. It is too overwhelming.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. And love.
Understanding how to cope with our fears is the answer, and yes, practice, practice with love. Thanks Emilie.
Great tragedies and conflict often lead to great ideas and resolutions. The process is painful and so unfortunate. The outcomes, however, present greater hope and direction for a world seeking guidance and unification. My heart reaches out to all those people all over the world suffering during this time in our history.
Thankyou Jonathan. We can create a positive outcome from great tragedy.
Absolutely wonderful post.
I appreciate your kind comments Nico. Blessings.
Peace.
Peace is possible.
It is MK. Thankyou.
Your words ooze Peace…
Thankyou. I hope so.
Very beautiful – an oasis, a sanctuary. In gratitude, Hariod. ❤
Thankyou Hariod. May those who need peace, find it deeply.
Very practical psychological traumatic stress symptoms to look for, as I think people are feeling things they might not expect. And then loving, meditative ways to deal with the feelings. Love and fear – such a fine line during times like these. You encourage people to choose love. Thank you.
Love,
Mary
I agree Mary. Love always conquers fear, but it is a fine line in times of distress. I hope we all choose love. Blessings to you.
A perfect post to support those in distress Karen. ❤️
Breathe well my friend!
Our breath does release our stress. Thankyou Val.
smiling happy memories
of Paris & France,
in sadness 😦
And may they experience these happy memories again. Thankyou David.
Wise words my dear, thank you for reminding us to stay present and nurture ourselves as well during these times.
It is important to remember this, when we feel overwhelmed or afraid. Much love.
As Saint Pope John Paul II said: “Don’t Be Afraid!”
-Alan
Yes, and my hope is that over time, their fear will ease. Thankyou for reminding us Alan.
Beautiful, Karen. May peace come to all hearts.
Well said Helen. Thankyou.
A wonderful post
A wonderful post, as I think people again are faced with fear ~ potentially changing the way we go about our lives ~ but it does not have to be that way as your words say, meditating (and/or contemplating life) can bring us back to a place of peace. We carry on.
Thanks Randall. It doesn’t have to be that way, I agree. Have a great day..
Karen what a wonderful comforting post in troubled times. The meditation sounds perfect not only for this, but for anyone suffering anxiety. Thank you.
Thanks Kath. Dealing with our fears can be daunting, but I always find meditation a great way to release. Loved your Minuscule Moments today.
Thanks Karen I do struggle with anxiety, especially at night, waking often and struggling to get back to sleep because I have an overactive mind. In the day its not as bad and I manage it with keeping busy.
It is often at night in the silence, that we can face this anxiety. Just practising simple breathing exercises like alternate nose breathing, can really relax our mind and our busy thoughts.
Thanks Karen I will try that.