Bowing to Fear -A Leadership Practice

In leadership, fear often hides behind the mask of control, perfectionism, or the need to be seen as “having it all together.”

Yet, when we scratch the surface, what we often find is what the Buddhists call the body of fear — the contraction, the story of separateness, and the tight grip that makes us feel isolated and guarded.

But what if fear wasn’t an enemy to conquer or a weakness to suppress? What if, instead, we could bow to our fear?

In many Eastern traditions, bowing is an act of honour, humility, and connection. It’s not about giving power to the fear, but about acknowledging its presence with reverence — and then seeing beyond it. When we bow to fear, we step out of reactivity and into relationship.

We create a pause, a space where wisdom can surface. We meet fear as a messenger, not a master.

Exercise: The Leadership Bow – A 5-Minute Practice

Next time you feel fear — maybe before a tough conversation, a big decision, or when facing uncertainty — try this simple embodied practice. Pause & Breathe

Close your eyes if you feel comfortable. Take three slow, deep breaths. Let your attention drop from your head into your body.

Locate the Fear

Ask yourself gently:“Where does this fear live in my body right now?”

Notice without judgment — is it a tight chest, a knot in the stomach, tension in the jaw?

Bow in AwarenessImagine, if you will, bowing internally to this sensation.You might say quietly:“I see you. I honour you. Thank you for trying to protect me.”

Ask the Deeper QuestionNow, ask the fear:“What story are you telling me?”

And then:“Is this story absolutely true — or is it an old protector?”Allow space for whatever arises.

Return to PresenceTake another deep breath, and sense the field of awareness all around you — the part of you that is bigger than the fear. 

Feel the ground beneath your feet. The air on your skin.Rest there for a moment.

Why it matters

Fear isn’t the problem — our disconnection from presence is.

When we meet fear with kindness and curiosity, we create leaders who are grounded, responsive, and courageous, rather than reactive and rigid. As Jack Canfield and many spiritual teachers remind us, our deepest wellbeing isn’t found in avoiding discomfort, but in remembering we are part of a larger field of being — one that can hold both fear and courage at the same time.

Lets Rethink Leadership Together

Warmth and Wisdom