If you’ve seen the headlines lately — not just about the Israel-Palestine conflict but also about the fighting in Ukraine, the Ebola outbreak in west Africa, the desperate kids seeking refuge in the U.S. — you know the world is in dire need of this higher vibration. These days we’ve become accustomed to frightening news. When terrifying things happen in the world there’s no way to avoid feeling fearful even if you live millions of miles away.
Following a tragedy we’re taught to quickly pick up and get on with our lives, but on a subconscious level we still feel the terror at our core. It’s easy to hide in a bar, numb out with the Internet or turn off the news and pretend like nothing happened. But if you avoid your fear it will subconsciously haunt you. When tragedies occur an emotional imprint is placed on you and it sticks around until it is healed.
There’s no right or wrong way to handle our feelings though there are tools that can help. Outlined below are a few steps for working through your fear to reclaim your power when you feel powerless.
Step One: Get honest about your fear
It’s healthy to admit that you’re afraid. When you honestly acknowledge your fear you release the tension of holding onto it. Share your fear with a loved one, write about it in a journal or share your experience with a therapist or a support group. Openly admitting your feelings is a crucial step towards working through your fear. If you’re up for it, I encourage you to share your feelings in the comments below. Share your truth and know that your honesty will help another reader. We’re all in this together.
Step Two: Breathe through your feelings
The next step is to identify where you carry your fear in your body. Some people hold fear in their throat, their shoulders or even your stomach. Sit for a moment of stillness and sense where your fear is held in your body. Then breathe deeply into the space where your fear is held. Continue to breathe into the tension and on the exhale release it. Continue this cycle of breath until you feel the tension release. Your breath is the greatest tool for releasing fear in your body.
Step Three: Connect with others
Connecting with others’ positive, peaceful energy is the best way to reclaim your power when you feel powerless.
For further guidance check out these blogs
How to Handle Your Feelings about Hurricane Sandy
News is a list of prayers…I think you or Marianne said that once and it’s spot on. A call for prayers showing there’s so much work to be done…it can be daunting until we remember all the kindness doesn’t get reported. We should start a news show that lists generosity & love only.
It makes it easy to feel powerless. I find myself even feeling powerless with my family. There’s so much work to be done there and I’m too close to be the change agent. I heard this great quote, “You can’t be a prophet in your hometown.” So true. I’m just being the light , the example, & letting go. Anyways, I had a lot of feelings around that coming up and this really comforted me. love you. thanks!
xoxo
keep shining katie
Thank you for sharing!! “Being the light, the example and letting go.” I’m going to keep that phrase on repeat in my day to day life! 🙂
🙂
Thank you Gaby. This is really helpful. It is true the world is very chaotic right now. We need to transform this vibration and everything starts with ourselves.
blessings to you;)
Yes I felt the same way in regards to the family part. Only Im feeling powerless because I’m looking for change within myself and my family. You reminded me I can not change them not even my 5 year old… I can only Influence and I need to do that with love. I must let go of resentment and ego and trust that with love everything is possible. Im sending my energy out. Gabby I am vibrating the cosmos now.
I feel powerless because I keep making the mistake of trusting others just to be stabbed in the back or chest.. I have such a hard time letting go of the pain and resentment
You’re loved, Jennifer. I’ve struggled with very similar resentments for that type of experience and it can hurt so much. Just remember you aren’t alone and don’t lose your faith. Sending wishes for good people who treat you well and the hope that you turn sadness or pain into strength. You’ve got this.
I feel your exact pain! Thank you for sharing!
I agree with Katie…”I am a joyful peaceful light” #iampeace with this presence you can only do good, no harm. This is my Mantra.
Namaste to all.
Even as a child, I’ve always been super sensitive to the news and everything that’s happening around the world. It often leaves me with a sense of sadness and powerlessness. Lately, I’ve tried your meditation « Peace starts wih me » as well as sending love and light into the world. I’m even crying as I’m writing this post… I really hope, we can all make a difference and make this world a more loving place. Thank you Gabby. I’ll join you in this great event. Peace.
If there was a news channel for love and generosity I would always watch it!!
me too!
Check out http://www.positivenews.org.uk! Based in UK, but features worldwide content!
Check out http://www.positivenews.org.uk! Based in UK, but features worldwide content!
Oops, double-comment… **Monday LOVE**
thank you noemie… keep it up:)
Thank you Gabby! This is exactly what I needed! I’ve been dealing with a situation at work from last Friday. After a weekend of Super Soul Sundays & now your blog, I’ve reconnected with my fire & my power.
Much love,
Jen
go girl:) xoox
I love Gabby Sidibe! I love her confidence and her views of life. She’s very iniirpsng to everyone and not just for those who thinks they need to loose a little weight here and there. =)
I realized I didn’t have any fear around these issues. I’ve been meditating and it has helped me remain grounded. As soon as I hear anyone mention anything sad or devastating, I always say – Thank you angels for helping out those in need and their families cope easily with the situation. Then I go about my day. I figured I heard about the situation so I can include my powerful prayer with the other ones and help more people out.
Thank you for getting others to notice and be more positive in the world. 🙂
yes, I do the same & it does wonders for everyone. where my fear issue comes up is our 11 yr old granddaughter has become so mouthy & disrespectful & my husbands daughter pretty much lets her get by with it to the point that I find it difficult to do family things with her. I do tell our granddaughter & enforce the rules but its taken away from the joy I used to have being around her.
I wonder if you can inquire about why she feels so angry. Give her a chance to express her feelings about it. thoughts?
you raising your own energy has a radical effect on the world around you. trust that. know that is your power.
Lately I have been confronting many of my fears.I just recently had the opportunity to have some dental work done which had been a little intimidating and I am so glad I did it.One lesson learned was to just stay in the present moment and not get caught up in future ” what ifs “.Sometimes the moment requires action and sometimes we need to just be still and know that God is God.The grace seems to be available in the present moment.I think this can apply to the big world view as well.
Thanks for this post! The link to sign up wasn’t working, but I’ll try again later…
it should be working. let me know if you still have trouble
I personally hate watching the news as it is hard not to feel incredibly depressed when we see the horrors going on around us. But it’s also important to be aware of our global community and what is happening outside our circle. I take time to meditate every day and close by visualizing healing white light going to those around the world who really need it.
I love what you said Gabby, about meditation raising our collective vibrational frequency. Thank you for your wisdom, encouragement and positivity!
it is important to be aware.
Whenever I’m feeling powerless/insignificant, I remind myself that every action I take is a display of power on some level. I always have the power to choose positivity.
I see the world as having a collective pool. If I try to make my highest choices, I’m contributing to the pool. When I move in the other direction, I take away from it. In my mind, by our collective actions we can reach a tipping point…which is why I love the idea of the global meditation.
Thanks for the tips, Gabby.
Oh my god! I just sent you an email asking for advice on this matter.. And here it is 🙂 Thank you Gabby!
wild right. i read your email a few minutes ago and I was preparing a response. then i thought… today’s blog covers this for her:)
God is good… big love to you.
thank you for the heartfelt email!
This is great, Gabby. My father passed away recently, and I have times when I feel really powerless around the presence and weight of my grief. I’m getting back into a regular meditation practice again and it’s really helping. Thanks!!
Perfect timing as usual! Thank you Gabby, can’t wait for the global meditation. I’ve been using Headspace as recommended in your previous blog post and it’s wonderful!! Going to take this blog as a guide to be of service to others today! Sat nam
i’m so glad that headspace is serviing you
Hi, Thank you for this..
My boyfriend just broke up with me from a fight that we had, and he won’t speak to me, listen, and says that he is done.. This is so hard to go through, not being heard, and not being forgiven, etc. I’m really upset about this and sick over it, feel awful, but he has refused communications. 🙁 I feel powerless and find it hard to concentrate on what I need to, or even to eat.
Just did your exercise above, fear in the stomach, the chest, running throughout the inside of the body, and in the mouth/tongue. I hadn’t really labeled what I was feeling as fear, but with this exercise I realized I have it.
🙁
Thank you
good vibes girl! I understand how you feel! I felt few times like this in the last years… then an awesome man walked in my life and it is better than I expected and getting married in 2 weeks! 100 frogsin order to end up with a charming man?! Chin up, show must go on! And since I read Gabby’s book ~ing I am improving my life and my relationship with him xoxox
Thanks gabby. For a long time I ran from my feelings and tried not to feel anything. When I got sober I had a ton of feelings suddenly and it was very difficult to feel everything. Thanks to you I learned not only is it ok but you need to feel this stuff! Even for a minute and then you can let it go. So today I am honest about my feelings n it feels so much better.
Gabby, this is so true and an important reminder. It can be difficult to not take in the fears of our world or to not allow our own fears to be recognized. Holding fear or anger just lowers Earth’s vibrations, so your tips are key. Thanks so much for sharing! I totally believe we’ll reach that needed percent… and a beautiful shift to love and peace will occur. xo
🙂
Thank you Gabby, I do feel scared of these more recent news on Gaza, the Ebola virus going out of control….I am learning to accept that I have fears, as you said, and then to trust in God and every part of the Universe that it is going to be fine, even it turns out not to be..Your books, Deepak books and now I am reading all the collection of Paulo Coelho books help me to be a better and stronger person. Gracias!xx Maria, from Bath. UK
you are being guided. sat nam
Hi Gabby! I was just thinking that what you put out sounds amazing and that today I, like many others, needed the advice. Thank you. I am in the middle of getting out of my own way in life (I have struggled with mental health issues for a few years and I am now picking up a more spiritual and cleaner life.). This was a good post because I have some fears over making friends when I live in a small town and every body knows everybody. I’ll take your advice to my therapist and share what I am afraid of. I needed this advice cause’ I’m on tough times myself. 🙂 Thanks! I love your blog!
xoxo big love
I love how simple and powerful these steps are. When I sat with and breathed into my pain it was right in my belly and took more time then I thought to feel relief…baby steps. Thank you for sharing!
I’m all signed up for Aug 8th and looking forward to tapping into and helping raise the collective energy.
Thank you so much Gabby for reminding me of how important is to accept our feelings and learn how to deal with them. By reading this I’ve realized some of my fears and now I’m trying to work on them and release them.
Thank you for sharing!
You inspire me!
glad this helped:)
Thank you for posting these very practical and helpful tips. I expect to put them into use myself, and also share them with a loved one who is really struggling as a result of feeling powerless. I believe this strategy will be of great value to him with. With love, thank you!
i hope you both can join us in the group global meditation on friday!
I’m looking forward to it ??????
Those ??? Were supposed to be the heart and namaste/prayer emojis. No questions here! 🙂
Hello Everyone,
Just the last 6mths or so, I’ve had to cut waaayyyy back on national news. This was huge for me as am an avid news watcher. Albeit, I know what’s going on still..just giving myself a break & not “hear” it helps a little.
Plus, I need to continue to remind myself, that any news ch can spin a story any way they choose!!! And remembering what you see & hear may not always be the WHOLE story. Used to have much guilt not watching, like I was turning my back on the worlds tragedies. But I know that’s not true. And meditating for Mother Earth & ALL her beings is far better.
Thank you…xo
I’m right there with you Bonnie. I make it a point not to watch the news, not because I’m ignoring what’s going on, but because it drains me and make me even LESS able to do anything. Many news places twist stories around, so you never really know what’s real, and what’s for ratings. I also meditate, and bless the earth while doing so. I know that dwelling on the news and watching it non-stop, (as my parents do…)will not help those in need. I keep saying that all you can really do is bless/pray for them, help if you can, and live your life as best you can. Reading/watching all these horrible stories is not going to help do any of those things.
Bonnie, you put in words how I feel about news! Thanks! 🙂
In response to the comment from B regarding her boyfriend, sending you peace and grace, and am curious as to how Gabby would view this situation and receiving the silent treatment from people
Thank you So Much for your comment and well wishes.
..Now it has turned into outlandish texts assaulting my character. Trying to keep my power now by not fighting back and not letting insanity affect me or bring out the worst in me, too.
Deep breaths! 🙂
Thank you,
You are not alone. I am experiencing the same thing. He will not hear me, and my character has been assaulted. It is bringing up feelings of abandonment and I am struggling to take care of myself (eating etc.) I am doing the romantic illusions meditation Gabby has on iTunes. As well as letting the Spirit guide me daily . And reminding myself that my perspective is lacking and I am trying to be willing to take the journey to learn to look at my world with love, I hope that you too will find the grace and guidance for your journey. I will keep you in my thoughts sending you light and love. Thank you for sharing this. It means so much !
Camila, I’m so sorry that you were/are going through this. I know how awful it can feel, as well as difficult to take care of yourself and get the things done that you need to do!
Thank you so much for the recommendation of Gabby’s Meditation–I just found it and will utilize it for sure!
Maybe with some time, things will calm down, and your side will be able to be heard. That’s what happened for me,, [however, the same character attacks started again, and I just can’t do it anymore…Now I’ve got to give some time before I’m able to speak to him…]
In the meantime, make sure that you eat!, maybe some movies, or friends, or meditations, or other pleasures for yourself to take care…? Sending you lots of love and peace as well 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment.
🙂
Gabby this is off topic but I was wondering if the Spirit Junkie Alarm app will be available for android. 🙂
not yet unfortunately. it’s a totally different build out. right now I’m working with developers to fix the iOS build out. but i will keep sharing the affirmations daily via instagram:) sorry!
I hear you on the negative news challenge. One of my friends recently got me tuned into http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org and it makes my morning start on the positive side versus CNN, FOX, or other news outlets that seem to compete to share the worst and most horrific situation of the day. I think http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org was also a part of the internet support that got the ultra motivating “Unsung Hero” video spread around. I still tear up with joy when I see that even though I’ve shared it with others a bunch of times!
I have so many fears and they make me feel hopeless. They come from every angle – fear that I’ll never have enough, fear that even if I have enough it will be taken away by natural disaster or war or God, fear that I do have enough and I’ll never see it, fear that I’m being greedy and should settle for what I have even though I truly want more – an overload of fear based emotions. I am in my eighth month of sobriety and am learning how to navigate the world through my newly discovered moral compass and spiritual practices. I know that shining light on these fears will begin to dissolve them. Being honest and open about these deep rooted fears leads me to new teachers, meditations, spiritual experiences, and hope. My new way of life is a lot harder than I’ve ever imagined, but I know that I would have no chance of overcoming these fears if I stayed doing what I was doing – hiding in the bar as Gabby says above. I find sometimes that hearing someone say “me too” lets me know I’m not alone in my feelings and gives me strength to overcome fear, so I hope that what I’ve revealed about myself can help someone, somewhere, to know they are not alone and that we can all make it through this gift of life together.
I cannot wait for this. I seriously cannot think of anything more worthy to do in the wake of such unspeakable atrocities. I will be there to raise the vibration of humanity!
My Truths… I feel fear as I write this comment but the sensation I have in my body for a new start, rejuvenating and regenerating is overruling the fear accumulated from 6 years of living with an Eating Disorder. I am openly admitted I am afraid of getting ‘fat’, changing habits, doing something wrong along my journey to the disapproval of others and not knowing what pursue in life! With the guidance of Gabby, her meditations, videos, blogs and her books, day by day I am trying to eliminate these toxic and irrational fear from my consciousness and fulfil my aspiration to be happy independent and strong eighteen year woman 🙂 I hope my honesty has helped at least one person even consider to unleash the power of your mind over the daily ups and downs in the physical world. You are lovable, whole and complete you are way more than enough! If you want to be different you have to change something don’t leave any dream left behind! Sending all my love and blessings, have a beautiful day, morning, noon or night wherever you may be x
I am afraid that I am not doing enough to help, I am afraid that I have lost my faith and my ability to create joy in the world. I am afraid that I will never be free to live my life the way I want without compromise of guilty conditions. But I am willing to see all of this differently. And I can start by connecting to a global peaceful consciousness on Friday.
Namaste x
I love your picture! I cannot imagine struggling if I looked so happy like you do in that pic!
Thank you, Gabby. I needed this after the day I had at work. I’m feeling increasingly powerless there and almost like the processes corporate makes are setting me up to fail at my job.
Thanks for posting this. Today this post really connected to what I am feeling. I have personally stopped watching or reading the news… I work in the field of forensics, and I remember during my first year a co-worker told me “Welcome into the worst of humanity”. It is my everyday work routine to read and work on criminal cases where the stories are often darker than horror and suspense movies. In the last few years I have been making changes in my lift to connect more with myself and others, and to try to be ‘in peace’. I still find it hard sometimes to be in this place of love and going to work everyday and be facing the darkness that is around us. I deeply love my job as it is an interesting and important work to be done, but sometimes I forget to stop and acknowledge the impact it has on me (and my co-workers). We developed a really ‘dark humor’ and now tend to ‘roll my eyes’ when I read about the next terrible case thinking ‘and another one’. These days I’ve been feeling like the love I’m trying to access within me is having a debate with the darkness I can sense in the stories around us.
Keep on lighting us! Thanks!
Amazing to know all these people share similar fears. I’ll be traveling to west Africa in early September, and I am praying and sending positive light each day. I see the fear so easily in those I talk to each day; they’re scared for me. I find refuge in knowing that I hold the power to not only raise a small part of the vibration of humanity, but ultimately change the outcome of poverty an grief and violence stricken areas. Please pray for me. I am confident I will be able to live out the limitless plans the Universe holds for me. Inshallah and thank you all for sharing ?
I am afraid of getting back on my own. It has been 14 yrs since I was living on my own. Now, I have two children and I know that I need to make the change for myself and kids. I just need some encourgagement. Thanks for this post!
This world is so scary. I sometimes can’t sleep at night. I am trying to add meditation to my “arsenal” to help me combat this anxiety but it’s so hard. Thank you for giving us hope and for educating us on a weekly basis 🙂
I feel you! you are not alone. There are millions who feel the same. I try to remember this and it helps me accept my feelings and move forward with them instead of acting out in denial.
Gabby, I have a question on the “breathing” part of meditation. Is it normal to have difficulty with focusing on breath in the beginning? I can’t seem to relax when I’m constantly trying to breath deep and exhaling through my mouth feels wrong. Does everyone just have to find their own way? Or is there a reason behind the focusing on the breath, because logically to me if I focus on my breath I’m focusing on my body and not my spirit. Help me please!
Honey, you have great questions. There is no wrong way to practice meditation as long as you are not harming yourself. I find it just takes practice and will not always fix anything quickly the way turning on the TV can get your mind off a worry instantaneously. Maybe it would help to practice with others? The nature of the mind is to move around a lot and create all these questions and doubts about what you do. Your mind is not bad, it is trying to keep you safe. wish we could meet and chat. I know how you feel cause I tend to intellectualize everything!
I just came out of darkness. I hit rock bottom and there was no where for me to go but up. I learned more than ever that we can’t experience true joy without acknowledging our source of fear and pain. Right now, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I’ve been experiencing miracles on a daily basis, but there’s this nagging feeling that the shoe is about to drop. I now finally have a lot to lose which is beautiful in its own right. But how do I stop this subtle feeling of potential doom?
let yourself get more interested in something else and let that interest grow untill there is no room for the doom to nudge in. I bet Gabby would also say: “accept your feeling of doom. It is ok to have feelings.”
Thank you gabby you are a shining light which came into my life when I didn’t even think I needed spiritual guidance is amazing everything is connected and I feel that the universe has lead me to you miraculously guiding me to see things differently and help me become the best person that I can be I am forever grateful that you are in my life Thank you I could listen to your lectures all day you are truly gifted I listened to your lecture on body image the other day and it just transformed my Outlook on everything I also carry miracles now in my handbag I love you keep shining bright satnam xxxx Chiara
I’m so glad that I found this on your site. I needed this right now.
My ex sent me and a friend a message that was quite hurtful and untruthful at parts (some were, I’m glad I am able to own it And let it go, and improve myself.)
My shoulders begun to hurt as the two of us got together to talk it over.
Following your advice now, with a warm bath~
try minecraft for free noob gamer
I am looking for the playlist Gaby recommens and can’t find it.
Also, I was asked to type a password and did so, but nothing happened…
I feel so wrapped up in fear right now. I fear the hate I see in the news and in the news feeds of friends and acquaintances, I fear my partner’s past lies and my inability to trust him again, I fear that I won’t be able to get a handle on a career that incorporates my talents and passions, and I fear not being able to break free from feeling so small (a part of me knows that I am capable of so much more/better, but I can’t seem to break free). Thank you for the space to express my fears. Feels good to let them out of my jaw, neck, hands and chest. Now to breath.
Thanks for that article! 🙂 that everyobdy should have in hands! It would make such difference in the world if we were taught how to deal with our feelings!
This webb site truly has all the information I wanted
concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
I am afraid I will not be able to make and keep a girlfriendship. I am afraid of never figuring out how to connect successfully with other women and having a healthy relationship. I am afraid of strangers and what they might think of me. I am afraid of getting hurt or doing something wrong. I am afraid that I am not useful and valuable in this world. I am afraid all this Helpdesk chatter, that it is just talk and will not help me. I am afraid of rejection. I am afraid of being fat, undesirable, unfocused, and a nusance.
My home was broken into and I was robbed last month. Everything was taken. My home office cleaned out, all financial files, sentimental jewelry, bedroom items and underwear. I have been trying very hard to focus gratitude for my safety and health. It’s been a sickening feeling to know some disgusting scumbag was in my my sacred place in my home, my bedroom touching my things. I’ve spent all my energy focused in moving thru, moving forward, ignoring feelings of total violation and lack of security. I don’t feel
safe. I don’t make eye contact with those in my neighborhood fearing they are smirking as if they were the one that got away. I’d like to learn more about finding a balance to owning what happened/moving on/returning to empowerment.
I have been working on my fears for two years and making a solid sustained effort to unload assumptions of others; I have been afraid all my life but never knew the driving force but now I do. It has been a solitary confinement of my most inner secrets and never feeling like anyone would accept me for who I was because I did not accept me fully. I am now in a consistent daily program of strengthening my inner spirit, and my connection to that most sacred source that empowers me. I too was broken into and that’s a horrible feeling of violation so I owned it, that feeling and felt it deeply and began a mantra of acceptance and forgiveness. May you be blessed to know your divine power.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Superb work!
Yes, the bacteria comes from the fresh ginger itself. That’s why this particular recipe is so magical!
Hello,
First of all, Merry Christmas and I hope you have a happy New Year! 🙂 I recently came across an article that was written about you in this month’s Natural Awakenings magazine. I was inspired when I read how you mentioned how you deal with difficult situations/powerlessness, which is to say a prayer while in stillness. I needed to read that, because I am going through a couple of situations that make me afraid. The first is that I am living on the bottom floor in an apartment complex and have been experiencing problems with the upstairs neighbors. When the neighbor’s child comes over to spend the weekend or what have you, the child is very rowdy. It makes me very nervous when she comes over because I can’t do anything to get away from the noise. Despite having talked with the property managers about the issue, it still persists. I know the only other alternative is to move, but I don’t have the money right now. And that is so very frustrating. The other issue has to do with wanting to be in a relationship with an awesome lady. I’ll admit that I am shy and I have trouble with my confidence. I’m 37 right now, yet I’m afraid that I won’t find the right woman. I know the type of woman that I would like to date, but I feel so awkward right now. I would greatly appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you so much. Namaste.
I have been in a relationship with a man for 11 years who has and continues to struggle with addiction. I am working my own addiction recovery process, but he still struggles. Yesterday I got a call that he had stolen items from a home, including guns. I’m very afraid that he is going to hurt himself or someone else. I’m afraid for his safety and well being and find myself obsessive over where he is, what he is doing, what is going to happen. I’m so frightened.