Breath Quote by Frederick Salomon Perls
“Fear is excitement without the breath.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Gestalt Therapy Practicum, 1970
Excitement and fear are the same physiological response, distinguished only by interpretation of the breath.
In simple terms: Fear is excitement misread.
Key Takeaway
Reframe fear as excitement.
Themes
psychology
emotion
interpretation
Mood
anxious
curious
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- sports competition
- first dates
- risk taking
Key Concepts
Gestalt therapy
cognitive reframing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you change your breath to shift fear?
- What situations trigger this confusion?
A Different Perspective
May not apply when physiological arousal is pathological.
