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Lessons from Doctor Who: “Scared Is a Super Power”


Mindfulness teaches us that our physical reactions don't need to reflect our mental states. We can't ignore our heart racing, but we can choose our reaction. A recent episode of Doctor Who explains this lesson well.

As The Doctor explains.

Let me tell you about scared. Your heart is beating so hard, I can feel it through your hands. There's so much blood and oxygen pumping through your

brain, it's like rocket fuel. Right now, you could run faster and you can fight harder, you could jump higher than ever in your life. And you're so alert, it's like you can slow down time. What's wrong with scared? Scared is a super power. It's your super power. There is danger is this room, and guess what? It's you! You feel it?"

Psychology Today analyses the episode and how its title "Listen" explains the message we can all take from it. The key is to recognize your physical reaction need not dictate your emotional state. We've covered before how to reinterpret our physical reactions. Zen Habits also reminds us fear doesn't control us, but The Doctor and Clara teach it much better. Much like a Weeping Angel, if we face our fears directly, we're in control.

Check out the link for more about the episode...and beware of spoilers.

Doctor Who: "Listen" to Your Fear | Psychology Today

Photo by BBC.