This afternoon, I noticed myself getting triggered by others on my Facebook feed (yes maybe take a break! I usually block people that create this feeling as healthy boundaries but it is everywhere hard to hide from it so I need to learn to live in it)—by the fear, closed-mindedness, and judgment I saw in their posts. I felt my own fear, sadness, and anger rising, and I wanted to argue with them! and then it hit me—I was judging them for being judgmental and fearful! Ahh, the irony. I had to laugh at myself because I was caught in the same trap. Wake up I said! Just Stop! This is not helpful! ........Side note: (Having a boundary or being firm with ourselves is a loving action if coming from a place of "No" I deserve better, just watch for the energy behind it. Mine was You can't do this to yourself....fierce compassion as I heard Kristin Neff say (she has a book).)........
But here’s the difference: I’m okay with what I feel because I know it’s aligned with my values and intentions. I will always speak out against injustice and intolerance (because we can’t tolerate intolerance). But I’ve realized that the energy I was putting out—fear and anger—was painful, unhelpful, and out of alignment with who I truly am. It only hurt me—my stomach tightened, my jaw clenched even harder.
So, I’m reminding myself to stand tall but also to check my intentions. Am I acting from a need to control others, rooted in fear and anger that the world isn’t like me? The truth is, it isn’t—and it never will be. I said to myself in a nice way (lol) Get over it, that victim mindset is not helping you or anyone else. As much as I might wish it were, maybe that’s the real lesson for all of us: how not to be led by a duality mindset.
Fear leads to anger, and anger to hate (thanks, Star Wars), but I want to act from a place of grounded intention, extending dignity and freedom to others. I don’t have all the answers—this is just a reflection for myself—but I know it begins with choosing love over fear.
So I created this meditation for myself, I read it into a recorder with music and I am sharing it with you: I will also post the recording. Mediations bring an experience, a feeling to a moment that is healing to me.
Reflection on fear meditation:
I take a deep breath, anchoring myself in this moment. I feel the steady rhythm of my breath, a reminder of the calm and strength within me. I choose not to be swept away by the fear and anger swirling around me. Instead, I ground myself in my values and intentions, holding space for clarity and purpose.
When fear rises in my mind and heart, I acknowledge it without judgment. I know this is sadness. I sit with the sadness and grief. I know that fear can cloud my connection to the deep well of love and wisdom within me. I notice how fear narrows my vision, pulling me into “us versus them” thinking, and I remind myself that this is not the path I want to walk. When I feel the sadness the hate gives away a little more. So, I feel the sadness.
I also honor my role in standing up against injustice, fear, and hate. I know that tolerance for intolerance only deepens division and suffering. I commit to speaking and acting from a place of self-energy—calm, compassionate, and clear—rather than getting swept into the reactive patterns of fear and anger.
I take another breath and feel my inner strength rise. I remember that standing against injustice does not mean I must mirror the fear or hate I resist. I can stand tall, firm in my values, while remaining grounded in love, dignity, and the truth that we are all connected.
As I hold this awareness, I reflect on my intentions. I ask myself: Am I acting from love or fear? Am I seeking to control, or am I embodying freedom and compassion? With each breath, I release what does not serve my highest self and step fully into alignment with who I am meant to be.
I choose to stand in love, to act with courage, and to extend dignity even in the face of division. My actions can challenge fear and hate without becoming consumed by them. I breathe deeply into this truth, letting it guide me forward with strength and grace.