“The hardest thing about the road not taken is that you never know where it might have
led.
”
– Lisa Wingate
This practice invites you to explore the wisdom inside your fears and uncover their positive
purpose.
Step 1: Identify Your “Yes, Yes, Hell No”
What is the goal or decision that both excites you and scares you? Write it down.
Step 2: Connect with Your Body
Take a breath. Notice where the fear lives in your body. Place a hand there and set the intention
to connect with this voice of fear from a place of acceptance and curiosity.
Step 3: Dialogue with Your Fear
Ask your fear these questions, and listen for its answers:
1. What are you feeling? What do you want to share with me?
○
Voice of Fear:
_____________________________
2. What are you trying to warn me about? What are you trying to protect me from?
○
Voice of Fear:
_____________________________
3. What are you afraid it would mean if that happened? What’s the worst-case
scenario you’re worried about?
○
Voice of Fear:
_____________________________
4. What is your positive purpose? How are you serving me in the best way you know
how?
○
Voice of Fear:
_____________________________5. In addition to safety, what other positive outcomes are you trying to help me
create?
○
Voice of Fear:
_____________________________
Step 4: Acknowledge Your Fear
Offer appreciation and acceptance:
“I appreciate your positive purpose, and I’m grateful for how hard you’ve been
working to support me in the best way you know how.
”
Step 5: Partner with Your Fear
Ask:
●
●
●
Would you be willing to work together with me, as friends, to move forward with
these goals in ways that may feel scary, but are also safe?
What would you want or need from me in order to do so?
Is there anything else you want to share with me?
Write your fear’s responses below:
Step 6: Close with Gratitude
Thank your fear sincerely. Praise it for its efforts. Then return to your original “Yes, Yes, Hell No.
”
Notice what has shifted in you.
“What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other
resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into
contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it.
”
– Krishnamurti