The path to Tranquility (spring)
13. Turning fear into awareness
Only when we relax our minds can we perceive the outside world keenly. However, whenever difficulties or dangers arise, fear often closes our minds, making us anxious, nervous, vulnerable, insecure, and unable to face reality. In this unhealthy state, we lose interest in new things and gradually lose trust in others and the world. If a person refuses to try new things because of fear of failure, he will not only miss the opportunity to grow, but will also likely deepen his anxiety about the future.
In fact, acting with fear makes us more likely to make mistakes. For example, a student may be overly nervous because he is worried about failing an exam, which will cause him to lose concentration and affect his grades. In modern society, the biggest impact of fear on us is that it makes us escape from reality and pushes us into an emotional whirlpool. In the face of changes in the environment, what we need most is not fear, but a healthy body and a clear mind.
If we trace the root of fear, we will find that fear often comes from the perception of death, which in turn comes from the existence of the body. Our fear of the unknown and loss of control is an extension of this deep fear. For example, some people are afraid of flying, not only because they are worried about death, but also because they feel anxious about the unfamiliarity and loss of control during the flight; some people are afraid of public speaking, which is actually a fear of being unable to control the judgment of others. These examples show that understanding the root of fear can help us adjust our mentality and behavior more effectively.
Sometimes we view fear as an enemy that must be defeated, which strengthens its power. But if we view fear as the inherent wisdom of life, we can transform it into awareness and creativity. For example, an artist may become more meticulous because of the fear that his work will not be accepted; an athlete's nervousness before a game can be transformed into focus and performance. Fear is a signal, not an obstacle.
Avoiding or suppressing fear means focusing too much on the fear itself rather than the message it brings, which prevents us from truly focusing on our own lives, leading to deeper anxiety and even inner collapse. Even if we suppress our fear of social situations and force ourselves to participate in social activities, we may still eventually lose control of our emotions due to loneliness. However, only by correctly interpreting the message brought by fear and focusing on coping with changes in the outside world can our lives become more comfortable and safe.
Fear can also be seen as a manifestation of low self-esteem caused by self-doubt. Whenever we doubt our own abilities, it is difficult to face the reality of impermanence. We regard death as the ultimate failure, so we have a deep fear of it. However, driven by fear, we often replace rationality with emotion, and once we encounter setbacks, we will retreat like a snail. If entrepreneurs give up when they encounter failure, they will also lose the opportunity to succeed. This retreat will not only hinder the growth of consciousness, but also make us ignore our own potential.
When we are trapped in fear for a long time, we tend to become stubborn and prejudiced against the outside world. Stubbornness is an unconscious self-defense that causes people to neglect their physical and mental health. We may stick to unhealthy eating habits because we are afraid of change, or we may stubbornly choose to avoid risks during economic downturns and miss new investment opportunities. The root of all this lies in the fear of the unknown. Ultimately, stubbornness will make us lose the ability to connect with others and become isolated.
Fear breeds paranoia, which breeds more fear. Self-acceptance is key to breaking this vicious cycle. When we accept our imperfections and have compassion for our own lives, we are more empowered and courageous to face challenges. Research shows that self-compassion helps reduce fear of failure and encourages people to try more aggressively. Setting small, achievable goals, such as starting with group discussions and gradually adapting to public speaking, can also help build stable confidence.
However, we must break the inertial thinking before we can embark on the journey of overcoming fear. Only when our thoughts and actions become positive can we break free from the habitual escape mode. Positively facing the object of fear and gradually building up courage will bring real results. For example, people with acrophobia can successfully overcome their fear by contacting heights in stages. In addition, training concentration can also keep us calm when fear arises and avoid losing control of our emotions.
It is equally important to build mutually supportive relationships. In climbing activities, the encouragement of teammates can reduce the fear of falling; in the workplace, the guidance of senior employees can also help newcomers cope with challenges. The company of relatives and friends can provide us with emotional support and reduce our anxiety during major changes such as moving and changing jobs.
By observing emotions and expressing feelings, we can identify and understand our fears. Whether it is writing a diary or receiving psychological counseling, it can help explore the root of fear. At the same time, learning new knowledge and skills can help enhance self-confidence and turn fear of the unknown into motivation for exploration. From mastering first aid knowledge, participating in cultural exchanges, to participating in international volunteer activities, we can gradually break down prejudices and broaden our horizons.
When fear no longer dominates our thinking, our overall worldview will change. We will be less clingy and more willing to accept changes and uncertainties in ourselves and the outside world. Reading history can help us understand social changes and enhance our psychological resilience to face the future. As consciousness matures, our mentality and emotions will become more positive and stable. At this time, we will also have flexible wisdom and courage to face various tests and challenges in life and continue to grow.
12. Elegance reflects a harmonious body and mind
14. Relaxation is the return of true self-consciousness
