There are many people who are afraid to go into an
elevator, climb mountains, or even swim in the water. It may
well be that the individual had unpleasant experiences in the
water in his youth, such as having been thrown forcibly into
the water without being able to swim. He might have been
forcibly detained in an elevator which failed to function
properly, causing resultant fear of closed places.
I had an experience when I was about ten years of age.
I accidentally fell into a pool and went down three times. I
can still remember the dark water engulfing my head, and
my gasping for air until another boy pulled me out at the last
moment. This experience sank into my subconscious mind,
and for years I feared the water.
An elderly psychologist said to me, “Go down to the
swimming pool, look at the water, and say out loud in strong
tones, 1 am going to master you. I can dominate you.’ Then
go into the water, take lessons, and overcome it.” This I did,
and I mastered the water. Do not permit water to master
you. Remember, you are the master of the water. When I
assumed a new attitude of mind, the omnipotent power of
the subconscious responded, giving me strength, faith, and
confidence, and enabling me to overcome my fear.