Since fear is an instinctually driven survival mechanism, solely intended to help us fight against or escape from a threat (fight or flight), it serves no real purpose in our lives. As humans evolved, and as the daily struggle for survival was replaced by higher things, negative emotions became associated with our egos. This means that, when ego issues are triggered (e.g. inadequacy, trust, victimization, or control), we shift into a state that feels like our life is in danger; when, in truth, it is only our egos being ruffled by things beyond our control. We were only intended to feel negative emotions if faced with an eminent threat to life. And, when faced with such danger, our brain will automatically switch us into this state, whether we like it or not, so we never need to consciously feel fear.
Natural and Instinctual
As a dog lover who has been breeding dobermans since I was a teenager, I can confidently say that they do not need to be trained to be protective of their owners. They do this naturally and automatically when a threat appears. It is instinctual for them. When a threat pops up in our lives, we similarly respond to it from instinct. Our brains are hardwired to shift us into a state that will save our lives. We do not need to train ourselves to be in this state, or experience it for any other reason. If we do, then it will seem like there are threats in our lives when there are not. If we train a doberman to be more protective than they are naturally, then they are much more likely to experience that level of aggression in the absence of a real threat; and potentially become dangerous to their owners or the neighborhood. Such training, like the German Schutzhund (guard dog) training, has turned countless peaceful, intuitive animals into threat-seeking aggressors. These quiet, natural instincts are drawn out and elevated into continuous, ongoing conditioned states for the dogs, who then maintain a heightened alert status for what could be a threat. Since this is being drilled into them, on a regular basis, they begin experiencing life this way, are unable to truly relax, are maintained in a battle-ready status, and are much more likely to attack when there is no real threat present. In my humble opinion, in the absence of wartime conditions, such training serves the egos of the owners at the expense of the animals; often leading to the destruction of these sweet, peaceful beings when their owners can no longer handle their aggression. And, yes, there is a clear parallel here.
No Need for Fear
Fear is an unnecessary emotion and waste of precious energy. It is a misdirected alert to danger, a misfiring alarm system; that suggests that a threat exists when it does not. When we are really in danger, we will automatically respond with the needed thought, emotion, and action. When we do, the feelings accompanying this response (e.g. fear or anger) will last for about 3-5 minutes, or until we have escaped the danger, and then they will naturally go away. Anything else is a reaction to an illusion that creates the belief that fear exists when it does not.
Releasing Fear Through Spiritual Acceptance and Emotional Expression
When we accept the truth of our spirit, and elevate our consciousness in this way, our vibration will be above the reach of fear. Meditation, peaceful acknowledgement of the perfection of our spiritual awareness, non-resistance to change, non-judgement, and non-attachment to particular outcomes or methods (letting go of control); will aid in the attainment of this acceptance. Having been through more than 20 traumas, and having flatlined twice, I could easily live in fear or be controlled by the lower vibrations of trauma triggers. I have none. I feel no fear. This is because I live purely in a spiritual place where fear cannot exist.
The only exception to this, and it is by my own choosing, is the vulnerability I offer as a gift to my beloved soul companion. With this emotional vulnerability comes the full range of feelings, occasionally including those surges of insecurity and uncertainty; which I welcome as part of the beauty, trust, and aliveness of our love. And since I am choosing to give this to her, as a gift of love, I could always choose not to if I so desired (which I never would 🙂 ). It is a conscious choice. Other than this sweet insecurity, I feel no negative emotions. I feel no fear.
If we are not yet able to access this spiritual place, or if we can only find it sometimes, then we can still rise above the reaches of our fears. In addition to the suggestions mentioned above, the open, honest expression of our emotions will help release the grip of fear, by freeing us from its paralyzing cycle. When we openly express our feelings, releasing them from our thoughts and emotions, they will no longer ruminate within our consciousness. Fear will only last for 3-5 minutes unless we continue thinking about what is causing it. So when we express it and release it, it is no longer stuck inside our head re-creating itself over and over and over again. Keeping a journal, or mood log, can help with this; along with the sharing of such things with safe, supportive others (if they are truly safe). If you have a trusted soul companion, share everything with them. Don’t hold back. This will clarify your bond, make its truth so much more real, and help you both feel joy and rise above your fears.
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