Fright

        We get frightened, oh yes, even the bravest of us. We all have different levels of bravery, of courage, of "standing tall". Sometimes we are frightened and we are unaware of it, but it shapes our lives. We live in fear, a fear that may be a low level fright but one that molds not our personalities, but our daily lives. We build fear with little 'frights'. Worries become a foundation for an environment of fear. We are afraid we will be late for work, we are afraid we won't be healthy, we are afraid we can't pay the bills, we are afraid of age, of loss, of lack of progress, of a million things. We are afraid it won't rain and water the crops if we are a farmer or the market will go down and leave us penniless or we fear the things out of sight. We fear being alone, we fear sometimes and do not know what the fear is or what causes it.

        Fear can erode a person's soul and health. It can be as invasive as an army. It can weigh us down in a daily way, sometimes overwhelming us. We worry, worry and in so doing, we set the stage for heavier concerns. What can we do about this? Should fear be eliminated? No, it is a buffer. If we sense fear because of a situation, it may save our life or that of others. How then do we control or set limits on fear? What is the balance point between that awareness and a loss of control on fear? The first step is to become aware, to know what we feel. We need to look at worry and keep it under control and not let it be all consuming. The second step is to look at the situation which is causing the fear and see what can be changed and what is unchangeable. The third step is to see if we can accept that which is unchangeable and do something about the possibility of change. We can try to be more comfortable with uneasiness about situations. We can try not to expect too much too soon. We can try to have confidence in self and faith in outcomes. We can look at the habit of carrying fear from day to day to day. Perhaps we can look at it less often, worry less, do what we can, and progress from there. It is not an easy thing. Balance is never easy for it takes attention and care. If we concentrate more on balance and comfort within, we can see that a lessening of fear will happen. It may be slow and at first it may not be noticeable, but habits will be formed and change will happen. Have some comfort within you, have a comfort zone you can turn to, make yourself a retreat within and go there when your fear begins to overtake you. You may find peace there if you pause to look. Then bring that peace within outward to express to others, to affect the environment around you and those who you come in contact with in the outer world. You may be surprised to find that fear will be less and that fear which is still there can be handled in a better way. Treat yourself to a more stable way of living.