How we go from Fear to Courage
The battle is about to begin. There is a heavy and meditative feeling in the air. Thousands of fighters close their eyes.
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They look at the dark sky. They are forced to defend their motherland as the enemy wants to vanish their culture, kill their people, and appropriate their homeland.
Taras is among the fiercest fighters. He has family and friends there, and many are about to die. He drops to his knees, as fear has caused him to lose connection with his abilities.
He is devastated as so many people he loves will die on that day and the following days. Fear leads him to question his actions. Doing so induces him into deep introspection about human ethics, spirituality, and how life works.
What he is protecting and caring for is something greater than himself and, thus, significant. He is fighting for himself, his loved ones, his people’s freedom, integrity, and his motherland.
He overcomes fear and accepts it. He sings his homeland’s anthem. He is ready to protect his native land with full wisdom and strength. He turns fear into courage.
A similar experience with fear happens to us during certain life events. I am not referring to the kind of fear Taras is experiencing but to other tensions. Fear disconnects us from each one’s full potential. Even most Zen Buddhists can only sometimes escape all strains.
‘Wherever you go, go with all your Heart.’ — Confucius.
Accepting fear
We won’t live without fear. We interact with external factors and need to feel ok, leading to uncertainty or managing conflict in our lives. Sometimes fear is a warning to help us to survive in unfamiliar environments. I remember experiencing it in the desert, in the arctic due to lack of drinkable water. But in most events there is anxiety. Letting fear drive us, we miss great opportunities life can bring. Moreover, we will lose connection with our full potential for achievement.
Humans usually fear the stresses and challenges of change, but it makes us stronger, unravelling how each one of us is. If we learn to recognize fear, we can use it to get meaning and fulfilment. We can use fear as a guide to find our north and get the best of us.
If we turn the negative idea of fear into an opportunity to grow and develop ourselves, we change our relationship with fear. We accept it by detecting the Why and going to the deep root. This change can open up our full potential to learn.
Working with fear
“You may have no control over what you experience, but you can control your thoughts and how you react, which defines your outcome!” — Derick Mildred.
Reflecting on this quote, to change our relationship with fear, we have to change the way we perceive it. Ask yourself — What were the biggest fears I experienced? Why?
You may have flashes of events, some more important than others, but you will filter them afterwards and identify your fear pattern.
When working with fear, we must get personal with it and recognize the similar patterns in different life events.
If we suppress them, fear will run against us until we accept and overcome it.
Detaching from fear
Now you recognize your fear patterns, try to turn them into the opposite thoughts. This helps you realize positive ways to work in tune with your values, passions and purpose.
Following, you can research real success stories. Those references will inspire you to create a way to pursue what you want to do, overcoming fear. Know you’re not alone in pioneering your way through uncharted water. So take support in the knowledge. Speak with positive people and avoid pessimistic ones in your ideals.
Meanwhile, practice outdoor running or any breathing exercise. You will feel more empowered and inspired to learn, adapt and detach from fear.
At this stage, you are not controlled by it. You understand fear is a sign to proceed, learn and transcend your current self. You accept fear and detach from it. Through the constant experience of our true selves, we enlighten all the fears of our psyche and let go of them.
Transmute fear into courage
Once we detach from fear patterns, we face the challenges in life with more freedom. More inspired to focus on our pursuits. We realize fear is a sign to follow the future we intend.
We understand the impermanence of life, feel gratitude, and align with our values, passion, and purpose. We become brave, heart-centered, and wise. More lively about how to expand our full potential. More inspired, resilient, as well as stronger, and calmer.
Nobody said it would be easy to experience the biggest challenges in our lives. Rewarding us with incredible insights and allowing us to blossom.
