Have you ever felt that the YOU present to the world is NOT your authentic self? Can you honestly say that you are living and showing up as who YOU truly are?

If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. Many of us have felt the need to hide ourselves because we are scared that friends and loved ones may not like what they see. We have chosen to suppress ourselves in the interest of “keeping the peace”.

It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with a sluggish thyroid that I told myself “no more”, and took definite actions. At that time I was already aware of the fact that the physical manifestations of dis-ease in my body first begins on the non-physical level. I was aware that my throat chakra was under-active and energy had stagnated at my throat from me constantly “swallowing” my words instead of expressing. 

I had a conversation with my doctor at the time and asked him to give me six months to address the issue (no I didn’t tell him what I planned on doing). He did with the understanding that tests were to be done at that time to ascertain how my thyroid was. 

I returned in 6 months as promised and had the required testing done. Perfect!!!!! No thyroid issue.

These results did not happen overnight and it took me stepping outside of my familiar zone. I refuse to say comfort zone because it was far from comfortable. It is exhausting and soul-numbing to continue making others happy while suppressing yourself. I also know that the fear associated with expressing oneself in a harmonious but firm way is real, so let me share 5 things you can do to minimize the fear and say yes to the the part of you that needs to move forward.

Five daily practices to minimize fear:

1. Drink water
2. Sleep more
3. Rub your ears for a few minutes each day
4. Include adaptogenic and diuretic herbs in your diet and 
5. Get reacquainted with the part you have been suppressing for so long.

How do these practices minimize fear? Points 1 through 4 are all associated with the kidneys and bladder the organs responsible for excreting waste, regulating water balance, and maintaining the acid/base balance in the blood.

 Indigenous societies know that “everything that appears in the physical realm has its association with energy flow at the invisible level”. Our kidneys and bladder are the organs associated with fear.  Have you ever noticed how one at times pee or feel the urge to pee when frightened? If you are around a child who still wets the bed long after it is considered “normal” to do so, take the time to talk to him/her and you will discover that fear of something or someone is present. If that was your experience as a child, return in your mind and see where fear was present.

Our ears are the sensory organs along the same meridian as the kidneys and the water element or the winter season is associated with them. Winter is the time of darkness, going within, and introspection. Our “daily winter” is sleep-time. This shows the practicality of steps 1, 2 and 3.

Herbs are powerful allies, however, it is the course of wisdom to check with your healthcare provider before beginning your relationship with herbal remedies.

Point 5, that of getting reacquainted with the part you have been suppressing for so long is an intense and ongoing journey. This  will be addressed in the next episode of Calabash Conversations.

Adaptogens are herbs that:

• improve focus, mood, immune functions,
• restores vitality,
• helps manage stress,
• and re-establish balance in the body.Two examples are holy basil/tulsi and ashwagandha. 

Diuretics increase the production of urine. Some examples are:

• cerasee,
• parsley,
• juniper berries,
• cranberry juice,
• and dandelion.