Practice #1 : Burning Fears
#goodbyeoldstories #helloflow
PRACTICE #1 : BURNING FEARS
You’ve no doubt heard of burning desires, but burning fears...?
Unlike the desires that drive you, this practice is not about something you have - but something you do.
Our Hello Flow Practice #1 is simply to write down - one at a time - the fears, doubts, blocks, limitations that come up as you are going for your dreams.
Jot them on a single piece of paper - and then burn it.
Simple!
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How could this possibly help?
This practice is a powerful act of focus and intention, two mighty forces for reconditioning the subconscious mind.
By writing down any fear or resistance you are ready to let go, you're sending a clear message to your mind.
The act of burning the note is symbolic of your readiness to release it.
The subconscious mind responds powerfully to symbols and ceremony, but we don't need to understand the psychology and metaphysics involved.
All you need to do is to try it for yourself to see how it can work for you.
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How to begin
I recommend starting with a minor fear or limiting belief - one that you are 1000% ready to transform or let go.
I also recommend phrasing the note to cover all the bases when it comes to your mind's ability to look for an excuse to resist!
Tip 1: Be specific
Instead of writing; I am ready to release the fear of success
Write: I am ready to let go of any old ideas that women should not earn more money than their partners. (Or whatever the underlying issue is for you.)
Tip 2: Quantify
Instead of writing; I now choose to release all old beliefs
Write: I now choose to release outdated or unhelpful beliefs about my self-worth that no longer serve me or that do not belong to me.
By quantifying in this way, you can relax and trust that only unhelpful blocks will be released, just in case your mind resists the idea of accidentally deleting beliefs or fears that serve you.
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Which fear to clear?
As you get into this practice, you'll notice more and more of the limiting beliefs that stop you in your creative tracks.
But to begin with, just tune into what feels ready to surface and clear.
Pose this question;
If I could release one old, unhelpful fear of belief, I would choose...
And see what comes up, then see if you feel excited to let it go.
If nothing comes to mind straight away, just keep asking your mind.
It can't resist questions! And it will soon furnish you with an answer of sorts or an inkling for you to consider.
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Practical matters
There are a number of ways you can do this.
If you like ritual and ceremony, you could have a special (fire-resistant) bowl that you use, and maybe incorporate this practice into a meditation practice or crystal grid ritual.
My favourite way to do this is to write my note in the evening, just before I light the fire in my living room. I burn the note in the fire grate, affirming my intention, and watch it turn to ash, imagining that the old fear or story has also dissolved and transmuted.
An easy alternative is to burn your note over the kitchen sink and wash the ash away.
Please ensure fire-safety practices at all times!
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As for the wording of the note; write what feels aligned for you.
For example, I usually write something like;
I release and let go all and any unnecessary fear, anxiety or worry about promoting my new book.
And so it is.
Then I create a little checkbox and put a big tick in it - to reinforce the idea that it is DONE! ✅
Notes on fears & resistance
I believe all resistance is rooted in some kind of fear, whether ones that we're consciously aware of, or deeper issues buried in our psyches, probably from our childhood.
All fears are just trying to keep us safe, protecting us from what the mind views as a threat to our survival, comfort or happiness.
But not all fears are based on real threats, some are based on old patterns or stories that once served us, but now they're outdated or unnecessary.
These are the ones we're aiming to let go with this practice.
So rest assured that you won't delete anything you do still need.
By quantifying the unhelpful fears, beliefs and emotions to release, we're safeguarding anything that is still protecting us.
The higher aspect of our minds know the difference.
And by ensuring we feel eager and confident in letting each single pattern or story go, we can trust that we are on the right track.
Our inner knowing is a good guide for what will ultimately serve us, as well as keep us safe.
And the rest?
Bless it, thank it, and let go.
It's time.
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“Let go of the littleness.”
Go Deeper...
If you’d like to learn more about the effectiveness of this practice, and some of the theories and science behind it, take a look at whichever of these resources appeal to you.
Many of the Hello Flow practices are based on energy-clearing work.
To help facilitate these processes, as well as to keep yourself well and happy during the course, make sure you care for your body and nurture your wellbeing with these simple practices.
Always choose what you feel is right and appropriate for you. Monitor how they help you and adjust as you discover more about what works well.
Don't worry about doing them all every single day, just aim to practice some form of self care as often as you can, with the intention of doing better and better each day.
Drink plenty of water
Drink the right amount of water for your body, daily.
A habit of sipping good quality water during the day will help you stay hydrated, focused and clear.
Stay grounded
Lie on the floor or ground for a couple of minutes daily.
This will help you stay grounded and connected to your physical body and this wonderful planet.
(Instead of getting lost in over-thinking or feeling spaced out.)
Rest & Recalibrate
See if you can increase the amount of sleep or rest you enjoy daily.
This will help your body, mind and energy fields process this work optimally and integrate the benefits more quickly.
Move your body
As this work is energy work, moving your physical body can help to keep the energy flows moving and allow emotions to be cleared more easily.
Choose your favourite way to move your amazing body, as often as you like.
Daily is good, hourly would be fantastic.