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The Brain
The primary function of the brain is to ensure survival of the host…you.
Cognition
From infancy, parents, community, tradition, religion, science, ists and isms and politicians, our brains acquire cognition:
- knowledge and understanding through learning, experience
- input from the senses: Sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.
Fear / Phobia
- controlled through the process of cognition.
Fido, Memory Fetcher
The cranial guard dog, determined, to the best of its ability, to get you through whatever situation arises.
Pay Attention
Fido, the brain’s guard dog is always on alert, ready to fetch memories, gather thoughts revisit experiences…
- when a fear is strong…it’s kitchen sink time.
Listen to your thoughts:
Imagine you are :
- eating a dry peanut butter cracker
- Did Fido retrieve thoughts of refreshing liquid beverages?
- awakened by a bump in the night
- Did Fido remind you to fold laundry…not!
- Hear the word: Glossophobia
- Is your guard PUPPY perplexed by this funny, weird word?
- Selected to speak…in public
Did Fido just now dig up a huge pile of dirty old bones?
Roll those Dirty Old Bones…
| Examine the FEAR Words | Examine the FEAR Feelings |
| “Oh Noooooooo!” | We will lose friends, unworthy |
| We’re not smart enough | We will lose approval, social ostracization |
| We’re not educated enough | We will create animosity, betray trust |
| We’re not qualified | We have unpopular opinions, shame |
| We have no degree – authority | We will face ridicule, insecurity |
| We’re not allowed – Insensitive | We will endure humiliation |
| We’re not capable – above pay scale | We will reveal weakness -judged weak |
| Don’t rock the cradle | Our worst nightmares will come true! |
| Where is our lucky coin, shoes, socks | nom, nom, nom…where’s the blankie |
Take Baby Steps to Freedom
- Fear can be rational or appropriate
- Fear can be irrational or inappropriate – a phobia ( FO-bee-uh)
- Fear ensures survival and status quo
Glossophobia (Gloss-o-FO-bee-uh)
Glossophobia, a fear of public speaking is a common type of social phobia, (social anxiety disorder). Glossophobics feel excessive self-consciousness, fear humiliation in social situations where they may be embarrassed or judged in front of others.
How we react to fear usually sets hold early in infancy and childhood.
Youngsters have limited knowledge and immature coping skills.
Severity of trauma can magnify where the proverbial monster in the closet is born.
What childhood Phobia(s) have you permanently, successfully expunged?
How do you handle or conquer irrational fear?
- Humor:
- Introspection:
- Education:
- Took the Plunge:
- Professional help
- Do it Yourself psychology (self-help books/tapes/videos)
- Visualization: (through Adult Eyes)
- Confrontation / Acceptance:
Remember, there are no strangers in Toastmasters, only friends you haven’t met.
Examine Fear With Playful Mind Exercises (Table Topic Q’s)
Examine the evidence
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Reward Yourself
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Make a Mental Trade-In
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Imagine the worst
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Courage VS Security
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Transform Fear Into Excitement
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Face your fears
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Helpful sites about phobias and irrational-fears and how to control feelings of fear.
phobias-and-irrational-fears.htm
how-to-conquer-fear-4-mental-tricks
5-tips-to-overcome-your-probably-irrational-fears
stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/overcoming-fears
4-steps-to-overcoming-irrational-fear/
