When Fear Gets Louder
As I continued reading through my old notes on the Water Element and Winter, I came across an idea that immediately made sense to me.
Have you ever noticed that when you’re tired, everything feels a little harder?
Perhaps you haven’t been sleeping well. Life has been particularly busy, you’ve been giving more than you’ve been receiving, or you’ve simply been running on empty for longer than you realised. A conversation that wouldn’t normally bother you keeps replaying in your mind. A challenge at work suddenly feels overwhelming. You find yourself worrying about the future, questioning your decisions, or imagining all the things that could go wrong. Even watching the news can leave you feeling unsettled.
What’s interesting is that the circumstances themselves haven’t necessarily changed at all. What has changed is our capacity to meet them.
According to the ancient Chinese understanding of the Water Element, fear is connected to our deepest reserves of energy. When those reserves are plentiful, we tend to feel more capable and resourceful. We trust our instincts, new ideas come more easily, and life’s challenges feel manageable, even when they aren’t easy.
But when those reserves begin to run low, something shifts. We may start doubting ourselves, become more cautious, and notice our attention drawn towards everything that could go wrong. It becomes harder to see possibilities and much easier to see obstacles.
One of the things I appreciate most about this perspective is that it doesn’t see fear as a weakness.
It sees fear as information.
Fear may simply be telling us that we’ve been drawing on our inner reserves for too long and that it’s time to replenish them. Winter naturally encourages us to slow our pace, get more rest, eat nourishing food, spend time outdoors and create space to recharge.
The Water Element teachings also offer another piece of wisdom that I find incredibly practical.
When we’re tired, worried or overwhelmed, our minds naturally race ahead into the future. We become caught up in “what if?” thinking, imagining problems and worst-case scenarios that may never happen.
One of the most helpful things we can do at times like these is to return to what is real and practical.
Instead of asking ourselves, “What if this happens?”, we can ask, “What can I do about it?”
Sometimes there is a practical step we can take. There may be a conversation we need to have, a decision waiting to be made, or a simple plan that helps us move forward. Taking action often restores our confidence because it reminds us that we’re not completely powerless.
And sometimes there is nothing we can do at all.
In those situations, continually worrying only drains the very energy we’re trying to restore.
When I notice myself becoming caught up in worry, I often find it helpful to come back to four simple questions:
What is true right now?
What can I influence?
What practical step can I take?
What would help me feel more supported today?
The answers are often surprisingly simple.
Sometimes it’s turning off the television and going for a walk on the beach. Sometimes it’s putting on some relaxing music and giving yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for a while. It may be spending time with people who leave you feeling supported, enjoying a warm meal, getting an earlier night, or simply allowing yourself the space to slow down without feeling guilty.
As our reserves begin to recover, something else begins to change.
We think more clearly. We feel more capable. We stop imagining quite so many problems and begin noticing more possibilities. The situation itself may not have changed, but our ability to meet it has.
To support you with this process, I’ve included a guided recording below called Anchoring into Safety. It’s designed to help you reconnect with a greater sense of steadiness, safety and inner resourcefulness whenever life feels overwhelming.
I hope you enjoy it.
Warmly,
Elayne
Looking for a little extra support?
If stress, tension or the demands of everyday life have been leaving you feeling depleted, massage can help release muscular tension, settle a busy mind and give your body the opportunity to slow down and recharge.
Enjoyed this article?
If you’d like to receive future seasonal articles, practical ideas and guided recordings, you’re welcome to join my newsletter.
Continue Reading the Winter Wellness Series
You might also enjoy:
- The Gift Hidden Inside Winter – Why winter may be inviting us to slow down and replenish our energy.
- Strong Foundations for Winter – Why our bones need extra care during the colder months and practical ways to support them.
- Looking After Your Kidneys This Winter – Why warmth, nutrition and simple breathing practices can help support your kidneys during winter.