FEAR

Fear is characterized by feeling an overwhelming and paralyzing uncertainty for what any future scenario, action, or inaction might bring. Remember the fear of public speaking, our whole body stiffens up, and our mouths get dry. Mental capacity is limited, and our hearts throb as it pumps adrenaline out in our body to make us ready to run for it.

Log

100 out of 1000

Life view

Everything is dangerous, and we'll better hold on dearly to what we have. People in our life are out to get us, and the future is uncertain.

Emotions

Uncertainty, Anxiety, panic, dread, frightened, terror, worry, helplessness, paranoia

God/higher power-View

Life, people, society, or God/higher power is out to punish us, so we better stay on our guard.

Process

We avoid making any fuss, and taking a different way home can be dangerous. Better stay safe by sticking to the familiar. We withdraw from anything that could pose a threat.

Primary drive

Life is dangerous. I have a bad feeling about this. Survival of the fittest is the name of the game.

Rate of happiness

10%

Mode

We stay safe even if it means that our life stagnates.

How it feels

Fear is characterized by feeling an overwhelming and paralyzing uncertainty for what any future scenario, action, or inaction might bring. Remember the fear of public speaking, our whole body stiffens up, and our mouths get dry. Mental capacity is limited, and our hearts throb as it pumps adrenaline out in our body to make us ready to run for it.

Actions

We stutter on words, are unable to form whole sentences. Unconsciously play with a pen during a public presentation. Blush when talking to those we fancy. Walk faster if we feel someone is behind us or keep our lights on when we sleep.

Warning

Fear that we avoid facing turns inwards and makes us despise ourselves for not mustering up the courage to face it. If we continue to avoid the things we need to do, it can grow into resentment against ourselves.

Good news

Fear is about the future, and the future isn't here and now. When we become present to what is happening right here, and now, the fear loses its absolute power. And from there, we can take an action that is more aligned with our higher intention.

Origins of Fear

Dr. Hawkins suggested that fear, at its core, often arises from a basic survival instinct.It's an evolutionary mechanism designed to protect us from potential threats.However, in the modern world, fear extends beyond immediate physical threats and can be triggered by imagined dangers, past traumas, or societal constructs.

Recognizing the Triggers

Hawkins emphasized the importance of understanding our individual triggers. While some fears are universal, such as fear of heights or snakes, others might be deeply personal. Triggers can be related to past traumatic events, conditioning from early age experiences, or even media exposure. By recognizing these triggers, one can better prepare and confront them.

Fear and Its Impact on Health

Prolonged exposure to fear can have serious physical and mental health repercussions. Dr.Hawkins pointed out that consistent fear can lead to chronic stress, which impacts the cardiovascular system, digestive processes, and can weaken the immune system. On a psychological level, fear can lead to disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, or panic disorders.

Moving Beyond Fear

To overcome and navigate through fear, Dr. Hawkins offered the following insights:

1. Awareness:

Recognize that fear is a natural response but doesn't always indicate immediate danger. Distinguishing between genuine threats and unfounded fears is essential.

2. Acceptance:

Instead of suppressing or running away from fear, face it. Accept it as a part of the human experience.

3. Mindfulness and Presence:

As mentioned in your synopsis, becoming present can diminish fear's power. Engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation can help anchor one in the present moment.

4. Exposure:

Slow, controlled exposure to the source of fear can help desensitize one's reactions over time. For example, if someone is afraid of public speaking, they can start by speaking to small groups and gradually work their way up.

5. Seek Support:

Sharing fears with trusted friends, family, or therapists can lighten the emotional burden. Sometimes, just the act of verbalizing a fear can diminish its power.

6. Educate Yourself:

Often, fear stems from the unknown. By learning and understanding more about what we fear, we can reduce its grip on us.

7. Positive Affirmations:

Replacing fearful thoughts with positive affirmations can shift one's mindset over time.

Dr. Hawkins believed that fear, while often seen as a negative emotion, can also serve as a powerful motivator. It can propel individuals to take action, change situations, and grow beyond their limitations. However, it's essential to ensure that fear doesn't become a crippling force, and instead, is used as a tool for self-awareness and growth.