Cure for a Panic Headache--7 Magic Remedies

  The other day I had a panic headache. It took me quite awhile to realize just what it was, and longer to figure out why.

Look Fear in the Face

Here is the why:

This week I plan to submit a proposal for a gallery show and to apply to be on the December Art Studio Tour in my home town. Or at least to begin the process. I didn't realize just how scary these two things are, or how powerful that little voice that says:
"you just ain't good enough".

and "you'll never get enough art work/product done in time"

and  "It's so much work and expense. You'll never make the money back that you spend getting ready"

and "no one will come. if they do come, they won't buy anything."

and on and on.
So how do I deal with the fear?

Eleanor Roosevelt said: "Stop and look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

Some of my favorite techniques for facing the fear and healing the panic ache are:
          1. Create a picture in my mind or in my sketch book of what I really want to create. Once I cured a panic headache  (due to an impending divorce) by heading down to the local coffee shop and designing my dream studio in my sketch book. Since then, I met and married my soulmate and now have that studio. It took awhile, but...
          2. Naming the fear and telling a trusted friend helps. Even when the friend has no advice to offer--or maybe especially then--just naming the fear and telling someone who is on your side works wonders.
         3.  Breaking it into small steps. List the steps and tackle the first one. Your courage in moving forward anyway breaks the spell.
          4. Facing the worst case scenario and developing a plan B. Even if you never need plan B, having one is like having a solid ground under your feet instead of shakey uncertainty.
         5. Focusing on the outcome rather than on the means. i.e. "I want to show my work to a wider audience and to get recognition as an artist" instead of "I MUST get into that gallery or juried festival". This gives me options if I don't get accepted by the first gallery or festival.

And here are some things I will try this time:
          6. Turn the fear around and write on a slip of paper what I want to have happen instead. Save these slips of paper in a pretty bowl or box on my studio shelf.
          7. Sit by a stream or fountain and let the thoughts arise, then thank them and let them go.
Jennifer of a blog titled Giggling in the Rain seems a kindred spirit. Her post on letting go of memories and thoughts that no longer serve are quite timely as I face my own panic.

 And then this came from a friend doing biodynamic craniosacral work:

let go of what has passed

let go of what may come

let go of what is happening now

don't try to figure anything out

don't try to make anything happen

relax, right now, and rest

----- Tilopa

How does panic show up for you? How do you deal with it?