Ask Dr. Paula
By Dr. Paula Joyce, The Life Doctor, Best-Selling Author, Top-Ranked Radio Host, Executive/Life Coach
Welcome to my monthly column. Over the years, I have had many opportunities to help others. It is with much gratitude and excitement that I now join Dallas Yoga Magazine. Please send your questions to: [email protected]. I look forward to hearing what’s on your hearts and minds.
Question: I used to enjoy Facebook, but my friends are telling me not to post my feelings about the current threats to individual rights. I don’t want to upset them, but I feel strongly about this. What should I do?
You Must Speak Up
I understand your concern and appreciate your seeking advice. A lot of people are experiencing the same confusion you are. I even know people who stopped using Facebook right after the election because they were getting such mean-spirited comments from people. Regardless of what your beliefs are, you have the right to express your opinion. The question is more one of how you express those beliefs. I encourage people to do no harm. We can state facts and share our beliefs without name-calling or defamation of character. I’m not suggesting that we cover up or sugar coat the truth. I’m just saying that we speak the truth with respect. This is as important for our own well-being as it is for our friends and acquaintances. Over the holidays when everyone was trying so hard to not talk about politics, they were actually sending stress hormones (cortisol) into their body. The result was that a lot of people got sick because the stress of not expressing themselves weakened their immune system.
The Antidote to Fear is Action
If history has taught us anything, it’s that we cannot be silent. We must speak out in the face of injustice. Fear has become so overwhelming that people are writing or shouting expletives without even being aware of it. At one point, I had to tell people that I would remove them from Facebook if they didn’t communicate in a civil way. And I did remove some people, not because of their beliefs but because of the way they expressed those beliefs. No one has the right to be rude and no one has the right to tell you that you shouldn’t speak your truth. Bullies get away with abusing people while others watch because they instill fear. The antidote to fear is action. That’s why it’s essential that you not listen to the people who want to silence you. There are many ways to be heard. Posting on Facebook and other social media is one way. You can also find like-minded people and join local groups to feel the support of community. Decide which causes are most important to you and volunteer and/or contribute money. Whatever you choose to do, do it in a way that is consistent with who you are. Have honest conversations with people. You will soon discover who comes from an open loving heart and who doesn’t. Then you can make conscious choices about who you want to be around.
In this time of growing fear, anger and violence, it is more important than ever that we protect ourselves and find people to be with whose intentions are loving and positive. Hate is a product of fear. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” Be part of the solution, speak your truth with love.
An Exercise to Release Fear
- If fear were a color, what color would it be?
- Choose a symbol that represents fear.
- On a piece of paper, use the color you chose to draw the symbol that represents fear.
- Tear up the paper into tiny pieces, like confetti, and throw it up in the air or burn it, spread the ashes or pieces of paper in your garden and say a prayer that the fear be transformed to love.
At the end of this simple exercise, you will have released a layer of fear and you will feel lighter and more at ease. You can do this every time you feel fear and it will help you release more each time. You can also use this for other emotions like guilt or shame.
Dr. Paula Joyce, The Life Doctor
Best-Selling Author: Nothing But Net
Top-Ranked Radio Show: Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit
Named a Leading Expert, Dr. Paula uses spiritual tools to help you create the life of your dreams: www.PaulaJoyce.com
Internationally Shown Artist: www.PaulaJoyceDesigns.com
Calendar Dr. Paula Joyce
March 1: Creative Problem Solving: Group Coaching meetup with Dr. Paula Joyce, 11:30am-1pm, 15251 Segovia Dr., Dallas 75248. Integrate and align information in your conscious and unconscious mind, remove hidden blocks and solve your most challenging problems. RSVP required.
March 2: Overcome Emotional Trauma: An Easy Self-Healing Practice with Doug Hilton on Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit with Dr. Paula Joyce, 7th Wave Channel on VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network. Listen live at 10am CST or anytime on-demand.
March 9: Enlightenment Now with Jason Gregory on Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit with Dr. Paula Joyce, 7th Wave Channel on VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network. Listen live at 10am CST or anytime on-demand.
March 16: New Hope for Depression, Addiction, PTSD and Anxiety with Dr. Rachel Harris on Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit with Dr. Paula Joyce, 7th Wave Channel on VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network. Listen live at 10am CST or anytime on-demand.
March 18: Om Awakening Workshop with Dr. Paula Joyce; You will: open new chakras, raise your vibration, heal your body, release fears and become closer with the Divine. 2-3:30-pm, CSLDallas, A Center for Spiritual Living, 4801 Spring Valley Rd # 113, Dallas 75244.
March 19: Love Frequency Circle with Dr. Paula Joyce, 3:15-4:30pm, 5625 Hummingbird Lane, Fairview 75069. A guided meditation to raise the vibration within each of us and on the earth for peace and love. RSVP required.
March 23: Let Go, Heal, and Love Again with Tatiana Jerome on Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit with Dr. Paula Joyce, 7th Wave Channel on VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network. Listen live at 10am CST or anytime on-demand.
March 30: Sacred Baths for Transformation with Dr. Paulette Kouffman Sherman on Uplift Your Life: Nourishment of the Spirit with Dr. Paula Joyce, 7th Wave Channel on VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network. Listen live at 10am CST or anytime on-demand.
