FEAR NOT: BREAKTHROUGH REMEDIES FOR OVERCOMING YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETIES
Dr. Adalat Khan
May 02, 2008
" Fikir Not" or Fear Not was a favourite word used by Ajmir Khan. Now you may wonder who Ajmir Khan was. Ajmir Khan was a peon and an odd job worker in PICIC a financial institute in Pakistan where I used to work. During my 4 years job in that organization I had never seen Ajmir Khan sad or unhappy but every time I saw him he was happy, excited, and always willing to help others. This was despite the fact that he was earning a very low income, had a huge family to support, and had many other challenges in life. His behavior taught me how to be happy and never worry about unnecessary things in life. He also taught me some indelible lessons in overcoming fear and anxieties which I would be sharing with you in this article. We live in depressing times as the prices of food, oil, and other necessities are soaring. Besides financial challenges we are also confronted by much distressing things such as wars, terrorism both individuals and state sponsored, kidnappings, robberies, and never ending conflicts between nations, religions, and different races in the world. If you pick up any newspaper almost certainly the headlines will make you worried, fearful and anxious as it will be about some bad things. In world so inflicted with destructions, worries, terrorism, wars, animosity, and conflicts it is but natural that we must feel fearful, distressed and anxious. However if we let these feelings overwhelm us we will not be able to live a normal life and shall be reduced to helplessness, anxiety, depression, and identical debilitating states which will retard our progress and growth. We must never give in to the devastating effects of fear but overcome our fears, apprehensions, and anxieties. In this article I am gong to share some revolutionary techniques which will help you overcome your fears and if you consistently practice them I am confident your fears will permanently disappear. The following are some of the most powerful tools which can help you overcome all your fears:
1. Supplications and prayers:
Every religion advocates its followers to seek help through supplications and prayers. In Islam Dua or Supplication is highly encouraged for every human being. The Holy Prophet Muhammad is reported to have called Dua (supplication) as the weapon of a beliver. According to Tirmizi, the Holy Prophet said that only Dua (supplication)can change God´s decree or a human being´s destiny. In the Holy Quran God commands us " And your Lord says: "Call on Me: I will answer" (your prayer/supplication). Let me also quote yet another quote of the Holy Prophet " Verily our Lord is ashamed (i.e. shy) of His servants when they raise up their hands to Him in supplication to return them empty". Remember certain things, events and challenges may be difficult and even impossible for us but there is nothing difficult or impossible for God. As such we must pray to God to grant us what is missing in our lives and remove us the difficulties, anxieties and troubles. It works just try it and you will see happiness and easiness in your life.
2. Nip worrisome thoughts in the bud:
As soon as you feel a cycle of worrying thoughts creeping into your mind, get rid of them instantly. A friend of mine told me that whenever negative or worrisome thoughts occur to him he immediately say alound "Cancel" commanding himself to stop concentrating on these pessimistic thoughts. Another solution will be to get physically active or change the activity you are doing... For instance if you are sitting and doing something, get up and do some physical work. This may be as simple as organizing your closet, taking out the trash etc. Or start exercising / go for a walk.
3. Let go and let God:
Famous motivational speaker Zig Ziglar writes in one of his books "Let go and let God." The basic philosophy about let go and let God is to have an unflinching trust in God that when everything fails we must leave it to God to solve our problems and challenges. We must have a strong trust in God and an unflinching belief that God will always work in your best interest. God always provides solution, a way out, and a relief for our problems, we only need to trust Him. The solution or relief does not merely come after the difficulty but in fact it is provided with every problem and worry which inflict us.
4. Patience:
Patience also gives us the necessary ammunition to overcome our fears and worries. Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. "We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances" is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books and motivational gurus. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check. Patience also provides with a hope that life will treat us well thus getting rid of unnecessary worries and anxieties.
5. Get in touch with others:
When confronted with depressing circumstance get in touch with people near and dear to you. Talk to your mother, wife, husband, brothers, friends and other people who can listen to you and guide you. Personally whenever I face problems I get in touch with my mother and just by talking to her I feel happy and empowered. For your information my mother is not a psychologist rather she is not even educated and can not read and write but hearing her kind words gives me the strength and happiness. It is so therapeutic to hear when she tells me that she is always praying for my happiness. I also always discuss my problems and worries with my wife and daughters and each time I talk to them I feel really relieved. So the secret is talk to someone and you will be amazed how happy you will become after talking to people who listen to you and guide you.
6. Be grateful:
We should always count our blessings and what we have and not what we lack or do not have. When you open your eyes in the morning think of the bounties of God which has been bestowed on you. At the very minimum think of the good health you may be enjoying now. Say it a loud thank you God for letting me having such and such and you will really feel happy and confident. The greatest book of wisdom Quran God specifically says "If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7).
7. Help others:
Lastly if you wish your fears and anxieties to disappear help others and love humanity. I remember during my childhood my mother will always give away food to poor people even snatching it from us while we were still eating. Generosity, helping others and sharing your bounties with others can make you happier. If nothing else share your smile, service, and good attitude with others and you will be pleasantly surprised how much happy it can make you. Moreover God rewards us in many other ways when we help his people and humanity.
Every one of us at some time of our lives is afflicted with fear and anxiety. Occasionally becoming fearful and worried is natural as it is a survival mechanism, and usually occurs in response to a specific negative stimulus. However if we fear most of the time and without obvious reasons then we may be suffering from un-necessary fear which needs immediate attention and cure. The good news is that almost any one of us can overcome our fears. Let the revolutionary remedies prescribed hear make you a fearless and happy person.
Dr Adalat Khan can be reached at dradalat@gmail.com
Dr. Adalat Khan is an International Columnist and the president of Mina Management Institute Malaysia who specializes in Islamic Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Pukhtoon affairs and Management strategies. His academic qualification includes Doctorate in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and various post-graduate diplomas. Born in the NWFP province of Pakistan, Dr. Khan is currently permanently residing in Malaysia. Dr Khan is currently involved in pioneering research on Islamic Leadership Principles and its relevance to today´s leaders and their organizations. He had appeared in numerous radio and television programs and was associated with Pakistan Television as a compare and talk show host. A prolific writer who has written several articles publications, which are published in United Nation's publications, international magazines, WORLD EXECUTIVE DIGEST, and Management Times, and News Straits Times etc. He is a regular columnist and contributes on wide range of topics to world newspapers and media such as the American Chronicle USA, The Frontier Post, Pakistan and many other newspapers and magazines.
1. Supplications and prayers:
Every religion advocates its followers to seek help through supplications and prayers. In Islam Dua or Supplication is highly encouraged for every human being. The Holy Prophet Muhammad is reported to have called Dua (supplication) as the weapon of a beliver. According to Tirmizi, the Holy Prophet said that only Dua (supplication)can change God´s decree or a human being´s destiny. In the Holy Quran God commands us " And your Lord says: "Call on Me: I will answer" (your prayer/supplication). Let me also quote yet another quote of the Holy Prophet " Verily our Lord is ashamed (i.e. shy) of His servants when they raise up their hands to Him in supplication to return them empty". Remember certain things, events and challenges may be difficult and even impossible for us but there is nothing difficult or impossible for God. As such we must pray to God to grant us what is missing in our lives and remove us the difficulties, anxieties and troubles. It works just try it and you will see happiness and easiness in your life.
2. Nip worrisome thoughts in the bud:
As soon as you feel a cycle of worrying thoughts creeping into your mind, get rid of them instantly. A friend of mine told me that whenever negative or worrisome thoughts occur to him he immediately say alound "Cancel" commanding himself to stop concentrating on these pessimistic thoughts. Another solution will be to get physically active or change the activity you are doing... For instance if you are sitting and doing something, get up and do some physical work. This may be as simple as organizing your closet, taking out the trash etc. Or start exercising / go for a walk.
3. Let go and let God:
Famous motivational speaker Zig Ziglar writes in one of his books "Let go and let God." The basic philosophy about let go and let God is to have an unflinching trust in God that when everything fails we must leave it to God to solve our problems and challenges. We must have a strong trust in God and an unflinching belief that God will always work in your best interest. God always provides solution, a way out, and a relief for our problems, we only need to trust Him. The solution or relief does not merely come after the difficulty but in fact it is provided with every problem and worry which inflict us.
4. Patience:
Patience also gives us the necessary ammunition to overcome our fears and worries. Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. "We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances" is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books and motivational gurus. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check. Patience also provides with a hope that life will treat us well thus getting rid of unnecessary worries and anxieties.
5. Get in touch with others:
When confronted with depressing circumstance get in touch with people near and dear to you. Talk to your mother, wife, husband, brothers, friends and other people who can listen to you and guide you. Personally whenever I face problems I get in touch with my mother and just by talking to her I feel happy and empowered. For your information my mother is not a psychologist rather she is not even educated and can not read and write but hearing her kind words gives me the strength and happiness. It is so therapeutic to hear when she tells me that she is always praying for my happiness. I also always discuss my problems and worries with my wife and daughters and each time I talk to them I feel really relieved. So the secret is talk to someone and you will be amazed how happy you will become after talking to people who listen to you and guide you.
6. Be grateful:
We should always count our blessings and what we have and not what we lack or do not have. When you open your eyes in the morning think of the bounties of God which has been bestowed on you. At the very minimum think of the good health you may be enjoying now. Say it a loud thank you God for letting me having such and such and you will really feel happy and confident. The greatest book of wisdom Quran God specifically says "If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7).
7. Help others:
Lastly if you wish your fears and anxieties to disappear help others and love humanity. I remember during my childhood my mother will always give away food to poor people even snatching it from us while we were still eating. Generosity, helping others and sharing your bounties with others can make you happier. If nothing else share your smile, service, and good attitude with others and you will be pleasantly surprised how much happy it can make you. Moreover God rewards us in many other ways when we help his people and humanity.
Every one of us at some time of our lives is afflicted with fear and anxiety. Occasionally becoming fearful and worried is natural as it is a survival mechanism, and usually occurs in response to a specific negative stimulus. However if we fear most of the time and without obvious reasons then we may be suffering from un-necessary fear which needs immediate attention and cure. The good news is that almost any one of us can overcome our fears. Let the revolutionary remedies prescribed hear make you a fearless and happy person.
Dr Adalat Khan can be reached at dradalat@gmail.com
Dr. Adalat Khan is an International Columnist and the president of Mina Management Institute Malaysia who specializes in Islamic Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Pukhtoon affairs and Management strategies. His academic qualification includes Doctorate in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and various post-graduate diplomas. Born in the NWFP province of Pakistan, Dr. Khan is currently permanently residing in Malaysia. Dr Khan is currently involved in pioneering research on Islamic Leadership Principles and its relevance to today´s leaders and their organizations. He had appeared in numerous radio and television programs and was associated with Pakistan Television as a compare and talk show host. A prolific writer who has written several articles publications, which are published in United Nation's publications, international magazines, WORLD EXECUTIVE DIGEST, and Management Times, and News Straits Times etc. He is a regular columnist and contributes on wide range of topics to world newspapers and media such as the American Chronicle USA, The Frontier Post, Pakistan and many other newspapers and magazines.
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