"Fear of Fear"
January 22, 2013
It's been coming up to write about Fear. Upon waking this morning there was a great fear of "being cold" (of everyone in the building leaving and not being able to afford the electric to provide the heat). This fear of cold continues to come up. It has been shared that the only way to face "fear" is to face it. In the willingness to face it something what appeared is that there was not "actual" cold in the moment that the fear about "being cold" was arising. There was only a "fear" of cold, not actual cold (the body was actually sweating from the hot water bottle that was slept with). This obviousness, of there not actually being "cold", was overlooked because of the fear “thoughts” about being cold. "Thoughts” breed/feed other “thoughts” especially when it comes to fear (just watch the next time you become afraid).
Many stories about being cold appeared, but none of them were "actually" happening. This is where the Gift appeared. There was not actual “Fear” because actual “Fear” shows up when something is actually happening … like you are being attacked by a mountain lion or being chased by someone, then "actual" fear will arise to help you to get out of the situation, but what arose this morning was not actual “Fear” it was fear of Fear (one step removed from actual fear and therefore, not real - at all just a ghost made up of thoughts about what might happen).
There is a saying “there is nothing to fear but fear itself.” It is often heard but not often Listened too (overlooked) because thoughts can seem very real … as if they are actually happening or will happen (but how can a "thought" happen … it's just a "thought").
It takes a great deal of honesty to look around you and see that what you "think" it isn’t actually happening. You can take any fear thought that comes up at any time to verify this, whether it is fear of losing a job or a relationship or friendship or that you can’t afford something or whatever the fear is that appears before you is and then take an honest look around you. Is the fear actual (is it right in front of you) or is it imagined (about the past or the future - not in front of you)? Do you have everything you need (not what you want but what you need) to be in the moment you are in? If the fear is about the past, then it is not in your present moment so it cannot be real, and if it is about the future, then it is not in your present moment and cannot be real.
What is in your present moment? Just look around … right here right now.
Another way of quickly facing the fear that comes, especially when it is something more direct and not as easy to disprove, like a fear that you are not good enough. Those fears can be faced by admitting that you do not know if you are, however you are good enough to be in this moment, because you are in it. That is one of the quickest ways that fear disappears. By being honest with yourself in the present moment. You don't try to get better or be worse, you simple just admit that you don't know, and then pay attention to the moment you are in and waiting to see how life plays out. Saying Yes, I may be the worst or I may be the best, but I don't truly know (then be willing to find out ... allow life to show you who you Are.)
Fear of fear can drain one of their energy and place them in a state of panic and worry and discontent. All these things will quickly dissipate with the honest look at what is actually happening and not what is imagined to be happening. Check it out … the next time fear shows up for you … don’t move/react … face it honestly. :o)
Fear of Fear (a thought of the past or future) is learned and therefore is not real. Actual fear is instinctual, primal and appears in the present moment to protect the body for survival.
