Fear is an extension of the survival instinct, but most of what we fear has nothing to do with survival. What we are really afraid of is losing a piece of our identity, in the form of our ideas or stuff. When these are threatened, we become anxious and stressed and expend enormous energy trying to keep these extensions of ourselves protected and safe. But it’s a hopeless task because we can’t control everything in the external world. There’s only one escape from a life informed by fear: Work at being at peace with…
What is.
Jarl and Steve
Very nice writing about fear. One thing it evokes from me is that many of us are not afraid of identity loss or ideas or stuff, but what we mental illness sufferers know as “the nameless dreads”. That is an entirely unidentifiable dread of odd and irrational things that might happen, even if the only consequence is surprise.
Nonetheless, the principle of learning to be at peace with ‘what is’ has the same power and relevance, and I am thankful to be learning it. A reflection of “nameless dreads” (and other forms of anxiety) is one mantra I love, i.e. Hermann Hesse’s “Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” That is not only generally calming and empowering, but a reminder that our real self is our Witness self, our Inner Presence.
Gratitude and love, Larry
wow, thank you Larry for that Hermann Hesse quote. I’ve never read it. You are a big plus to us! 🙂