The path to Tranquility (spring)
15. Playing games with fear
FFear is an innate protection mechanism of human beings, which enables us to react quickly to danger and ensure our own safety. However, when fear goes beyond reasonable limits, it turns from a guardian to a restrainer, limiting our growth and development. Appropriate fear reminds us to stay vigilant, but excessive fear may make us hesitate and miss valuable opportunities.
Being brave is not being fearless, but choosing to face fear and take action. Truly brave people see fear as an opportunity to surpass themselves. Instead of running away, they recognize the source of their fear, find solutions, and ultimately become mature and strong. In fact, inner anxiety is often more daunting than external difficulties. People who fear failure may give up on their dreams instead of realizing their potential.
Many fears stem from ignorance or misunderstanding of the current situation. For example, if a student becomes anxious because he failed an exam, it is usually because he neglected to adjust his study strategy. Through reflection and improvement, he can turn fear into motivation and rebuild his confidence. On the other hand, as we grow older, we gradually learn to coexist with aging, illness and even death. We are no longer afraid of the things we once feared because we have a deeper understanding of them.
Uncertainty is also a breeding ground for fear. People naturally want to control the future, but the unknown future is always unsettling. Take a job interview as an example. Uncertainty about the questions and the outcome can cause stress. Only through adequate preparation, such as researching company information and mock interview situations, can anxiety be reduced and confidence increased.
Avoiding and suppressing fear will only make it spread inside. If a person who is afraid of rejection suppresses his emotions for a long time, it will not only be difficult to establish a sincere connection, but also may accumulate emotional burden. Facing fear, seeking support and taking action are the right ways to reduce stress and grow. Sharing anxiety with friends and family can not only relieve emotions, but also gain new insights.
In the long run, overcoming fear requires constant self-improvement. Reading books on philosophy, psychology, and even economics can help us gain insight into human nature, understand emotions, and cultivate psychological qualities. Focusing on the present can keep us alert and not be overwhelmed by fear. Imagining ourselves successfully coping with fearful situations is also an effective psychological construction technique. For example, people who are afraid of public speaking can practice repeatedly, imagining themselves standing confidently on the stage and winning applause, thereby improving their expressiveness and stability.
Of course, overcoming fear does not mean ignoring risks, but making prudent choices through rational analysis. Before making major investments, entrepreneurs will evaluate market trends and their own resources. This cautious attitude enables them to face the unknown steadily. It is also important to cultivate self-awareness. For example, by writing a diary and sorting out the roots of emotions and fears, we can better understand our inner needs and growth direction.
A positive attitude can help us see hope in difficult situations. During the pandemic, although economic instability has made many people feel uneasy, many people have chosen to turn to online entrepreneurship or learn new skills to turn crises into opportunities for growth. When fear strikes, taking action is the key. Breaking down big goals into small tasks that can be performed every day and recognizing every step you complete can effectively reduce stress and stabilize your emotions.
In addition, viewing challenges as learning processes rather than potential failures can also help improve our stress resistance. Regular exercise and adequate sleep can help strengthen our mental resilience and allow us to face risks and the unknown more calmly. Through logical reasoning and information analysis, we can look at the future more rationally and not be swayed by emotions.
Fear is not an enemy, but a reminder, a signal from the wisdom of nature. When we learn to communicate with it and understand its meaning, we can transform it into a force that drives us forward. Every game with fear is a journey to deeper wisdom and courage.
14. Relaxation is the return of true self-consciousness
16. Troubles are all caused by half-awake dreams
