Fear Of Falling.. Or I Don't Know What?

[Pelin]

Yesterday in yoga class the teacher asked us to perform candlestick pose for the second time. For the ones who are not familiar, here it is:

and then, 

I know I have the physical power to do this, but no emotional strength. I have a huge fear of falling. I've never realised it is something to care about, what when I remember my childhood memories (never learning to bike properly because I wasn't willing to let go of third and fourth wheels, fell multiple times trying without them), childhood recurring dreams or nightmares (which include being upside down as well),never having the guts to try roller coasters, and even the fear of going DOWN using the escalator (I managed to conquer it a vew years ago but still shake while going down). I have slight acrophobia, too.

Now I have these experiences but is it really the fear of falling, fear of gravity, or fear of going upside down? I never had the guts to do headstands or handstands either. Even in high school because I couldn't/wouldn't do a somersault, I usually got low points for PE lessons (and I was a straight A student except PE). But surprisingly when I actually slip on ice in winter,which happens in winter a lot, I don't feel much fear?

When I look it up, all the advice is for increasing safety around the house, avoiding the situations etc. I want to conquer it once and for all. Any experiences you would like to share, or any tips?

[egoeimai]

I understand. I have fear for elevator/lift because I think that someday I ll be all alone right inside it,and it will stop working. But if im with company im not afraid.

But I try to use the elevator alone.

Feel your fear. Challenge yourself.

I take the elevator (if its 2 floors I choose to go on foot) but I go. You have to face your fears. It is only in your mind.

Take deep breaths.

When you feel that you are afraid ,try to say that its all a lie. The fear will go away. Because its actually an illusion. Breathe deeply whenever you fear.  say to yourself encouraging words.

[Allinthemind]

It could be a combination of all of them because at some point in the process/activity/situation you anticipate a visual disorientation. This causes the inner ear to sense movement and you are then probably tensing (retracting) certain muscle groups to compensate (excessively protect yourself, rather than using your muscles to counter-balance).

Have you had/do you have and inner ear problems?

Tips: Grade different experiences on a scale of 1 (easiest) to 10 (hardest). Gradually work up the scale learning to focus your eyes on a spot where possible. Breathing techniques ( http://www.clinicalhypnotherapy-cardiff.co.uk/breathing-techniques/ ) and mindfulness/self-hypnosis will help you to establish if you are excessively tensing any muscle groups (e.g. tensing neck muscles can create a feeling of vertigo).

If you are ok on ice, have you tried ice skating as a starter activity to desensitise your response?

[Pelin]

@Allinthemind I do have inner ear problems, I had a major surgery back in 2008, and I don't have those bones that help you hear in my left ear because they were taken along with the inflamed area. But I remember the fear goes earlier than that. Maybe the problems in my ear were always there but only reached surface when I was 20.

I am OK walking on ice but I tried iceskating, again this is the idea of letting go of the feet maybe, that thrilled me. I have the need to be safe all the time. Both feet on the ground. Yoga is helping me get rid of a great deal of it, but not all.

and I'll also check the link, your site looks interesting. Thanks.