Perspectives on Fear

Let’s talk about the nature of fear. What follows is an assortment of different authors and teachers that have impacted my life and their thoughts on the topic of fear.

I resonate with Adyashanti when he wrote, "As soon as we develop a sense of self we develop fear because everything that’s not us is something to be afraid of." in his book The End of Your World.

Furthermore, Peter Ralston talks about what fear is by saying "fear isn't in relation to the present, it's in relation to the future. ... You're unable to be afraid if you're completely and utterly present. The only experience to have is the one in the present and so nothing to be afraid of. ... Without a future, fear is not possible"

Ken Wilber has added to this in saying, "fear is caused by being afraid of something other than oneself, when one is unified with godhead there is nothing other than oneself."

And David Hawkins has written "fear of life is really fear of emotions" and "It is not the facts that we fear but our feelings about them"

Jack Kornfield adds, "Aversion and judgment also include fear: “I do not want to feel this. I do not like this.” All of these are states of resistance."

Charles Eisenstein furthers this by saying, "to break free from the structures of our culture means facing our deepest pains and fears. ... fear of death = fear of life ... specialization breeds fear, anxiety and insecurity because we can be easily replaced in our jobs. ... the underlying motivation for the ascent of control is a fear of death."

Chogyam Trungpa writes "instead of running away from fear, one must become completely involved in it and begin to feel the rough and rugged quality of the emotion.”

I hope you enjoyed this short piece where I curated all of my favorite ramblings on the nature of fear. 🤪