Fear

Fear is an interesting thing. It drives much of what goes on around us in the world, and unfortunately, much of what most of us do (I think).

Now this might seem a little obvious, especially at present with the state of the world and our Global Economic Meltdown and the fear that is driving markets. Fear of losing money, jobs, etc. And before that we've had the global war on terror. But putting these Global/Social fears aside they tend to over shadow the everyday fears that drive (pretty much) all our lives.

Am I too fat, too thin, not pretty enough, not funny enough, do I earn enough money, have I made the right decisions, will I make the right decisions, am I happy, do my friends like me, am I accepted??? etc, etc, etc.

Fear is no way to live life. Someone much smarter and thoughtful than I once said....

"Fear is the baseless fabric of our own vision. Fear has no place in our hearts when we have shaken off the attachment for wealth, for family and for the body."

Fear tends to be based upon our unrealistic expectations and view of the world around us. That somehow we can cheat death and destruction and hold onto the things around us. That for some illogical reason rather than accepting what comes our way we can wrestle control of the uncontrollable through worry, denial, striving, religion, or any number of other mechanisms which doesn't actually increase our control.

And yes, even as a religious man and ardent follower of Christ I lump religion into that category. Tosteal another quote from Gandhi...

"Fearlessness is the first requistite of spirituality. Cowards can never be moral."

Now I think that cuts pretty deep. How many people can truely say they are fearless? Fearlessness means being able to put what is right before what you want. To put what is right before yourself.

And it goes further.

"Fearlessness is a sine qua non for the growth of the other noble qualities. How can one seek truth or cherish love without fearlessness?"

To truely love someone you need to be fearless. Love requires a certain acceptance of vulnerability and trust. And unfortunately we live in a society and world that does not promote the growth of noble human qualities. It promotes fear, not love or acceptance, it promotes selfish interest and nurtures hatred.

The first step I believe is being aware of fear.

"There is so much superstition and hypocrisy around that one is afraid to even do the right thing. But if one gives way to fear, even truth will have to be suppressed. The golden rule is to act fearlessly upon what one believes to be right."