Image by Ria Sopala
In this Article
- How childhood fears continue to influence us as adults.
- The role of vulnerability in dealing with past fears.
- How can acknowledging and addressing fears lead to personal growth?
- Strategies to help transform fear into a source of strength.
- How does conscious living help in overcoming the impacts of early fears?
The Imprint of Childhood Fears in Your Life
by Mara Branscombe.
The memories of fear seep into our psyches from an early age and stay with us, usually in an unconscious way. These become the catalysts for us to do what we do or not do in life.
Can you remember the first time you felt fear as a child? The fear of being left, the fear of not belonging, the fear of not having the right answer or doing something wrong? The fear of not being liked or accepted?
These inquiries require your attention and your compassion as an adult. And if right now, you are experiencing a memory, a trigger, or an epiphany, you are on the right track. These recalls may be the exact medicine you are ready to face in your life right now.
In our early years, we may have learned to abandon our instincts. We may have experienced the feeling of giving up our free will to be a good little person—to abide by the rules.
Vulnerability: Emotions and Weaknesses
Vulnerability is both the willingness to show emotion and to allow weaknesses to be seen. If the practice of vulnerability was not modeled as a child, or if we did not feel safe to show our true feelings and ask for support, there is a greater chance that being vulnerable as an adult will be challenging.
Sourcing the story behind the life experience or the trauma allows for compassionate inquiry. It gives permission to release our identity with the limiting narratives so that we can go deeper into our own healing process.
A Narrative of Lack or Scarcity
Life’s highs and lows, coupled with fears of both the known and the unknown, keep us inside a narrative of lack or scarcity. Until these fears are examined and acknowledged, they will continue to rule our existence. They will capture us inside a story of who we think we should be and want to be. We will continue to live out our lives ruled by fear.
Over time, this energy transforms into a coping mechanism that becomes our story. We carry on the best we can, attempting to control, suppress, or reject pursuing things that both excite us and scare us.
Taking Risks or Playing it Safe?
This kind of safety net and false protection is self-sabotaging; we fear taking risks to play it safe. We live in fear of failure. Essentially, this is what holds us back from truly expressing our true gifts in the world.
A fracture occurs in our personal energy—simultaneously igniting a deep soul longing. This is what creates the feeling of lack of purpose.
What if each morning you acknowledged certain fears, avoidances, dismissals from your deeper calling? What if you put it on the table and acknowledged these undercurrents? Only then can you connect with your inner Huntress. The Huntress of love, community, animals, the children, earth, waters, art—these inspired reckonings will serve your greater purpose.
Morning and Daily Process
Begin each morning with five minutes of quiet to simply feel into the present moment.
Become a receptive channel for your visions and aspirations for the day.
Hold intentional space to name what is true—this will override fear-based thinking.
Conscious living each day is the gateway to embody the deeper callings within your soul.
Create space in your day to name what is true. Become attuned to how and when you give away your energy to what is not true. Name the fears, doubts, and worries as they arise, no longer give them power. Align with what you are opening yourself to.
Sourcing emotional sustenance and mind–body nourishment as a fluid, synchronistic, living energy becomes your greatest resource. It could be tending to self-care needs, or the way you connect with colleagues and loved ones. It could be the stranger you smiled to, the homeless person you fed, the causes you stood tall for, or the protest you participated in.
Your authentic voice and grounded activation contribute to the reciprocal matrix of the conscious warrior on her awakened mission to make the world a better place.
The planet begs you to do your good work.
She asks of you to let go of your inner critic
and to live and love deeply.
No longer play fool to the illusion
of veils, guarding, and surface talk.
Go deep into the abyss
where the sun’s radiance
swirls concentric circles around your bones.
Call to the ancient ones
and ask for guidance.
Make commitments in their honor.
Copyright ©2023. All Rights Reserved.
Adapted with permission from the publisher,
Findhorn Press, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.
Article Source
BOOK: Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen
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by Mara Branscombe.
Journey through the archetypal wisdom of the divine feminine to reclaim your authentic self and to follow your soul’s longing. Embodiment teacher Mara Branscombe takes an intriguing look at the seven feminine archetypes that prevail in the modern psyche—Maiden, Mother, Sage, Huntress, Lover, Mystic, and Queen—and traces their continuing influence throughout different stages of our life, sometimes dormant, sometimes prominent.
As she explores each archetype’s beneficial qualities, its connections to the physical-emotional-mental body, and its shadow aspects, Mara highlights the positive impact these models can have if we embrace them and live them consciously. Step-by-step creative practices, guided visualizations, mind-body rituals, and soulful poetry allow you to embody each archetype, inviting in the light aspects as well as integrating the shadow.
Click here for more info and/or to order this paperback book. Also available as an audiobook and as a Kindle edition.
About the Author
Mara Branscombe is a yoga and meditation teacher, writer, mother, artist, ceremonialist, and spirit coach, who finds great joy in leading others along the path of self-transformation. She is passionate about weaving the art of mindfulness, self-care, mind-body practices, and earth-based rituals into her offerings.
Visit her website at MaraBranscombe.com
Article Recap:
Early childhood fears have a significant impact on adult lives. These fears often remain with us, shaping our actions and responses unconsciously. This article discusses the importance of acknowledging these fears to foster healing and growth. It suggests embracing vulnerability and using intentional practices to transform these fears into personal strength. Additionally, it encourages living consciously each day to align with one’s deeper callings and true self, ultimately contributing to a more fulfilling life and a positive impact on the world.
