“A superior man learns to give of himself so fully that every moment is a culmination of his life.” ~ David Deida ~
I joined my first meeting this morning, and it happened like a thousand times before. The project manager of my client states his opinion, and I feel a familiar tightening in my chest. What essentially stops me from truly living is fear.
It can be the immediate fear of death in the face of something life-threatening. And I’ve written an entire article on the incredible potency of Death right here. (LINK!!!)
But the danger lies in the small deaths. Those truly kill my aliveness. The small deaths which I encounter every day a few dozen times. Like in the story I shared at the top.
For me, the deepest change came through how I encountered these deaths.
That I saw them as opportunities to smile. To open myself. To drop into them. To feel them. To welcome them. Neither to run from them nor to “fight them head on”. But to befriend them.
Sure, at times also to endure them. But with the intention to ease and to embrace. For me, there is a tremendous amount of depth and power in this approach.
These small deaths manifest in everyday situations—meeting new people, speaking up in a meeting, or even trying something new. Each of these moments can be a doorway to growth if approached with the right mindset. By welcoming these experiences, I discovered a newfound strength and resilience.
What I found transformative was the act of befriending my fears. It’s not about eliminating fear but integrating it into my life in a way that it no longer paralyzes me. Each small death becomes a practice ground for living more fully. It’s a dance with vulnerability that opens up a space for genuine connection and authentic living.
In these moments, I learned to pause and breathe deeply. To ask myself what I’m truly afraid of and to sit with that fear without judgment. This practice of mindful inquiry helped me to uncover deeper layers of myself and to live with greater intentionality.
Through this journey, I realized that every small death is a reminder of our impermanence, urging us to live more passionately and with a greater sense of purpose. It’s about finding the courage to be fully present, even in discomfort, and to embrace the richness of each moment.
I do believe there is power in not just surviving these moments but in thriving within them. It’s about transforming fear into a source of strength and allowing it to guide us towards a more fulfilling life.
Every encounter with fear is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of ourselves and to cultivate a life of greater depth and meaning. Embrace these moments, for they are the very fabric of a life well-lived.
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If this resonates with you and you’re ready to transform your relationship with fear, let’s take the next step together. Join me for a Discovery Call to explore how you can integrate these practices into your daily life and achieve true fulfillment.
