It is most essential therefore, that youngsters take appropriate steps to wipe off this blot on their personality - the blot of Fear and Cowardice.
1. Clarity of thought is the most useful tool in dispelling fear. You must be able to analyse circumstances and experiences in your own life, boldly and impartially. In order to learn to think clearly and analyse meaningfully, you will have to associate with brave, wise men who know how to do it.
It is essential to live in an atmosphere which is throbbing with bravery and confidence and courage in order to imbibe these faculties. Such wise men create this kind of an atmosphere around themselves. The environment itself will have a tremendous positive impact on your mind and the personal influence of these elders will gradually bring about a revolution in your mind.
2. Never give expression to your fears even if they enter your heart once in a while. Use your willpower and forcefully throw out the thoughts that cause fear immediately. And vigorously recall strength-giving ideas, especially Swami Vivekananda's words.
Give your mind some strong auto-suggestions such as : I am bold, I am strong.
Giving expression to fear through words or gestures only enhances it all the more. And it will provoke others to take undue advantage of your fearful state. Once you get into a lower position in the eyes of others and allow them to bully you it will be very difficult for your to set yourself again to a state on par with them.
3. Fill up your mind with powerful ideas and healthy, positive thoughts. Always think and speak of boldness, bravery and courage. Read strength-giving literature.
You will have to read powerful ideas and assimilate them. Swami Viveka- nanda, the epitome of Strength and Courage Incarnate, has bequeathed a priceless legacy of strength and courage in the form of his letters and lectures. You must make a sincere effort to study this literature - a veritable treasure-house of power. This is a study that will open new horizons before your mind and introduce you to many new and powerful ideas. Allow Swami Vivekananda's ideas to just enter your mind once and then watch for yourself how your personality will get transformed.
4. Never sit idle when some fear arises in your heart. If you sit idle, you will start brooding over it. That will only enhance the fear in your heart. The popular proverb - " an idle mind is the devil's workshop" has great truth in it. This proverb actually explains the state of our own mind! So, when fear arises in your heart, don't sit idle. Get up at once and do one of the following:
a. Start reading Swami Vivekananda's words of strength and hope.
b. Take up some constructive and creative activity.
c. Go to some dependable elders you know and spend some time in their elevating presence.
d. Take deep breaths rhythmically and do some methodical exercises.
e. Pray intensely to God in whichever form you like.
5. If you want to achieve success in overcoming fear, there are certain rotten personal habits you must avoid at all costs:
a. Wandering about doing nothing
b. Losing yourself in idle gossip
c. Brooding over your weaknesses
d. Postponing your duties
e. Lingering in an undecided state of mind.
All of these exhaust the brain, weaken the mind, and drain all your energies, leaving the inner core of your personality greatly damaged.
A more detailed list of remedies is given later.
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