“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” ~ Les Brown
Despite statistics that say flying is twenty-nine times safer than driving in an automobile, many are plagued with a fear of flying. This can make flying a grueling experience, if not an impossible one.
The fear of flying is not so much about possible risks, but is more about the feeling of being vulnerable and not having control. We are dependent on unknown mechanical workings to maintain our safety, and on the judgment of an unknown pilot.
Further the fear is more about what might happen, than what is actually happening in the moment. A person who experiences anxiety about flying typically ruminates, spending a lot of time being preoccupied with worries before the flight even happens. Then they dwell on all the physical and psychological symptoms they feel once the flight begins.
It is possible to overcome the fear of flying. Learning progressive relaxation so you can keep your body relaxed is helpful. A process of systematic desensitization is typically used in treating phobias, and can be used to desensitize yourself to flight anxiety. Finally, hypnosis and cognitive psychology can help to change negative, self-defeating thought patterns.
If you have been “grounded” due to a fear of flying, it is worth making the effort to overcome this phobia. There is a whole big world out there just waiting for you to explore.
(For information on obtaining my No More Fear of Flying CD , see below.)
Copyright © Gwen Randall-Young, All Rights Reserved. Contact us if you would like permission to reprint.
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No More Fear of Flying
