Getting comfortable with fear and unpredictability

When doing any type of therapy or healing work it’s important to look at old patterns that may be keeping one from experiencing a fuller new consciousness. This search often consists of a confrontation with oneself about things that may be prohibiting one from experiencing growth. In the midst of much research, I found find this reoccurring feeling which underlies the stagnation to any change: fear.

Fear can be defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. The very definition of fear gives a sense that one needs to be weary of this emotion, despite the fact that the whole of society is built upon fear. Turn on the TV and our inner psyche is immediately filled with images and scenarios that provoke fear. Many of us live in houses, insulated with material comforts and entertainment for fear of living in discomfort. Many return to work with fears that if they don’t work they wont be able to live sustainably. Many often don’t take chances for the fear of the outcome. What is it about fear that is so compelling?

Fear is a necessary learned emotion. If we were unable to feel fear in certain situations, we would then be unable to shield ourselves from hurtful or dangerous stimuli. However, fear in excess is more detrimental than it is helpful — often severely impacting our judgments and choices in situations (Lemia, M.C., 2011). According to Lerner and Keltner (2001), in a study which assessed risk taking, participants who…