Eckhart Tolle On The Origin of Fear and How To Overcome It

When you identify with the ego, you will always have some degree of fear. Sometimes we identify with this fear consciously, and other times it is a subconscious presence that can take other forms, such as anger, hatred, or worry.

The first step to overcome fear is to become aware of what thoughts you think produce the fear. What thoughts do you think consistently that lead to this fear? Chances are, you are projecting ideas into the future, creating scenarios about things that may go wrong in the future.

It is important to understand that these stories are always worse than the reality you actually exist in. Most of the time, there is nothing present in The Now that actually feels threatening. Even when negative situations arise in our life, our mental stories about them are always worse than the actual event itself.

Watch out for any kind of defensiveness within yourself. What are you defending? An illusory identity, an image in your mind, a fictitious entity. By making this pattern conscious, by witnessing it, you disidentify from it. In the light of your consciousness, the unconscious pattern will then quickly dissolve.
This is the end of all arguments and power games, which are so corrosive to relationships. Power over others is weakness disguised as strength. True power is within, and it is available to you now.
Eckhart Tolle, Practicing the Power of Now

When you are enveloped in fear, it is because you cannot tell the difference between what is actually happening, and the thoughts you tell yourself about that circumstance.

The solution to this is always to step back. Re-orient yourself to the present moment. One of the best ways to center yourself quickly is to take a conscious breath. This breath may not release all of your fear in one second, but it will start you down the path towards release, and begins to weaken the grip that fear holds over you. In this way, you can avoid getting lost in suffering, and begin to release the pain body.

When you take this simple step, you automatically begin to dis-identify with it. This gives the negative energy the opportunity to release, and you can continue taking conscious breaths until you calm your body and mind. After a few breaths, you will find that a huge burden releases, and you are more able to appreciate the reality of the moment before you.

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.
Whereas before you dwelt in time and paid brief visits to the Now, have your dwelling place in the Now and pay brief visits to past and future when required to deal with the practical aspects of your life situation.
Always say “yes” to the present moment.
Eckhart Tolle, Practicing the Power of Now