Greetings, Generous Universe!
It’s another beautiful summer morning – the sun is shining, and birds are singing. It’s going to heat up, and there’s that chance again of a pop-up thunderstorm this afternoon. Such can be the rhythm and pattern of summer.
There’s so much I wish to experience in this world. Getting out there, traveling, meeting people, and living an adventurous life hasn’t happened by eliminating my fears. If I waited until I had no fear at all – well, I don’t think that’s possible, as a mortal, thinking being. Our lizard brain is wired to perceive risk in order to keep us safe.
So, lots of different stimuli trigger our fear response. For some, it may be spiders, dogs, or snakes. For others, it’s heights or deep water. And, from a social aspect, many of us suffer anxiety in social situations, or fear the judgment or disapproval of others, of not being seen as “worthy” or “enough.” There’s also the fear of being alone or abandoned, the fear of pain and suffering, or the fear of lacking and being in need.
When the world seems a frightening place, and when we visualize the thing we fear most waiting to pounce right outside our door, it can be hard to get anywhere.
I know; I’ve been there.
But, here’s the thing – those fears aren’t going to just walk away or dissolve. In fact, the power and control you give away to them will only grow, shrinking your world more and more.
When we base our choices on our fears – fear of failure, disappointment, suffering, pain, or lack – we eliminate the opportunity for wonder and joy, for success and fulfillment. Indeed, because the only way to avoid the risk that we fear is to stay small and safe, we never expand; we never grow. There is no adventure, exploration, innovation, or discovery.
When we are ruled by our fears and our lizard mind, we are imprisoned. We repeat the same patterns and behaviors, and at the same time that we get bored and fell unfulfilled with the small same-ness of our life, we fear any change that threatens it.
So, I mentioned getting out and experiencing this world; and, needing to do so, despite still having my fears. A big part of doing this was the realization that my fear of something is not the same as the actual thing. That’s a pretty abstract statement, so let me provide a couple of examples.
Fear of being alone and abandoned – so, when I was ruled by this fear, it controlled how I interacted with people, and how I viewed myself. I know I avoided relationships, and also showed up as very needy in the few that I did have. The way that I proceeded, when I feared being alone and abandoned, actually affected my relationships so that I was even more isolated and lonely.
But, I learned that being alone wasn’t as bad as the fear I carried about being alone. I could survive it. I was okay. Sometimes, even, it was nice.
Those realizations opened up some space, where I then could consider how I saw myself and the context of relationships, without the grip of fear, and with my power to make choices and know that I would be okay.
Fear of judgment – putting these Sunrise Pages out in the world meant facing that fear – “What would people think?”
And, I didn’t just try to deceive myself into a false sense of security – “Oh, everyone will love them.” No, I was honest with myself – these won’t be for everyone. And, in that arena, I had to do some work. Because, it only takes one detractor or nay-sayer to fire up my Lizard, shouting See, they hate you! Now look what you’ve done!
The magic is, even when that happens, I know I’m okay. Part of that is being fully true and heartfelt, meaning everything I say here. But, the other part is having you, Dear One, join me in this journey and sharing our connection. It really helps me keep balance and perspective.
Here’s Today’s Prompt:
So, what are your Top Ten Lizard Fears?
With each, explore how that Fear rules your choices and constricts how you live.
Is that a sacrifice you are willing to make?
My desire to grow and explore, to be joyful and content, means more to me than listening to my fears would allow. Thank you, Dear Guides, for helping me to strive onward!
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