Scary Openings

I have experienced Openings that scare me a bit. I look at them and wonder if I can do what they are asking. Fear arises. – Ann

Fear

Fear is an emotional state triggered by threatening situations both real and anticipated. It is usually considered a negative or upsetting emotion and can be accompanied by physiological symptoms such as rapid breathing, elevated adrenaline, rapid heart rate and emotional symptoms such as nervousness, dread, restlessness and tension. Fear can be overwhelming, if not proportional to actual conditions.

Fear also has a positive purpose. Fear alerts and informs us. It heightens our focus and concentration. It leads us to preparation and planning. A bit of fear serves us and get us into action. Fear has been considered a vital survival mechanism through the ages.  Some people seek out fear in activities as rock climbing, extreme roller coasters or para gliding.

I have started working on a book about fear. Some of the subjects I am writing about are the changes we are experiencing in the world, a death dance of what we have known, confronting fear, rising from fear, freedom and pathways. Understanding our fear and learning how to deal with it empowers us. If we can manage our fear we can live a free life, making choices that serve us.

Forward

Some Openings evoke fear in large or small measure. We may be excited about what we think an Opening offers but hesitate to go further due to a feeling of threat or danger. When that occurs, best that we find a way to go forward. Not blindly forward, however. We can bring ourselves fully to the present moment and examine the nature and legitimacy of our fear.

Moving forward from fear comes in many forms. We could choose to protect ourselves and move forward cautiously or not al all. We could explore the roots of our fear – is it real or imagined? Is it based on past negative experiences that do not have to inform our present? We could look at what we need to move forward considering the fear. Do we need a support system, a slower pace, advice?

Openings ask us to grow. Moving forward is necessary to growth. So is discernment. As we face a “scary” Opening, we must bring the best of ourselves to our choices. Are we ready? Do we see the possibility of positive outcomes? Do we believe we can do it? Is there any other way to go? Will not choosing to enter the Opening send us backwards or keep us stuck where we are?

Courage

Courage is such a big factor in facing fear and scary Openings. Courage is defined as the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution. Courage demands our strength. We must handle things that need to be done, honor our values and stand up for ourselves if that is called for.