This past week, the fear of war gripped our city. We have enforced blackouts, and we are hearing news about the escalating tension. There have been reports of missile and drone attacks, and people are afraid. On Friday, I was planning to go to work after my early-morning meeting, but communication went out that there was an alert of an attack on Chandigarh, and everyone should stay inside. So, our office closed, and I worked from home.

It felt a bit like COVID all over again, and the anxiety showed up in some tense faces, hasty decisions, and a tightening knot in my own stomach. It is like a water level that rises slowly in a dam, and you know that you will drown if it gets too full. Or maybe it is like being in a submarine, where you sink deeper and deeper, and it gets darker, and the chances of getting crushed increase. And you want to run, fight, or do something, but there is nothing to do other than follow the instructions of the administration: switch the lights off and sit in complete darkness.

On Friday night, my son and I visited some friends who are more like family. We were there for a short time when we heard the sirens and obediently switched everything off. We proceeded to play charades on our phones. And with the play, fun, and laughter, we felt the fear subside. We came up for air. There was plenty of light inside.

Fun against fear? That is an interesting remedy, don’t you think? We see it in the funniest memes being created for the biggest tragedies. Maybe it is a way of laughing in the face of death or a form of catharsis. Another thing that helps is running, which gets rid of some of the anxiety buildup in my body. There is no shame in running “away” from fear!

And then there is prayer and our faith in God. It helps to gain perspective on everything when you talk to the One who is in control of everything. Joshua got his encouragement from God: (Joshua 1:9)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

He is with us too. There is no need to be afraid.

Afterwards, my son walked back home, and I cycled slowly with him. Everything was quiet and dark. No streetlights, hardly any traffic. How strange that it felt both ominous and peaceful at the same time. Peace is so precious, yet fragile. We had a quiet conversation and some inevitable joking and quietly got rid of any remaining fear.

Do you also feel anxious? What works for you to get rid of fear and anxiety?