From Fear to Fine: Rock it!

Toward the end of a 25 minute meditation, a thought disturbed my calm: “What if I die before my 103-year-old mom?” A wave of dread rippled through me. I couldn’t bear the idea of her being here without my help. Before the thought could take hold completely, I recognized it for what it was: fear disguised as a legitimate concern, creeping in like a stealthy intruder trying to rob me of my peace.

I called on my courage, softened, and let the thought pass through my body.

Afterward, I realized that courage must be summoned. It is not something that arrives uninvited. It is a quality of spirit that everyone already possesses, yet it remains dormant until we summon it with intention. When we actively invite it in, courage does what it was made to do: reclaim the wheel from fear and steer us back to steady ground.

Courage is the bridge from feeling fear to feeling fine. And sometimes it helps to have a simple guide. I use the word ROCK as a reminder.

The R.O.C.K. Method

Sometimes students (and let’s be honest, adults too!) think they have to fight fear to be brave. But real courage doesn’t come from battling fear; it comes from recognizing it and moving forward anyway.

Here’s a simple tool you can use in your classroom or sessions to help students navigate fear without getting stuck in it:

R — Recognize it. When fear shows up, pause. Notice the thought or feeling before it sweeps you away.

O — Out it. Name it directly but don’t wrestle with it: “I see you, Fear. I know what you’re up to.”

C — Courage up. Call on your inner strength and trust that it will rise to meet you.

K — Kiss it goodbye! Release the thought and let it move on without following it.

This might not come easily. But if you keep remembering to reach for it, soon it will become your reflex move.

ROCK is for the moments when things get raw, and you need more than a deep breath. You need something real. That is what ROCK offers. And it is not just for you. It is for your students, your clients, and the people who turn to you for support when they are standing in the fire of fear. Do it, then teach it.

Here’s to choosing courage over fear, again and again, in the moments that matter most.