So, what is there to fear about fear?*
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what came up for you in that space?
My response in instant: I fear the paralysis of fear, the overtaking if my ability to think clearly, feel clearly, overtaken by a circling crazy of ohmygod. I fear the retreat. I fear letting a moment pass that is precious and new. I fear fear because I have no faith I can have fear and courage at the same time. I experience it, I know it, and yet, I have no faith that it can be true. I do not count on it, I guess. I fear the fatigue in fear, the defeat, the giving up or giving in. I fear my own lack of stamina, of fortitude, of guts, of doing-it-anyway.
BUT
It is not my only response.
I am also evolving.
I am reading a wonderful book by Synthia Andrews, and it has really reframed how I feel about feelings. I am working on actively supporting my own evolution here, and the inherent power in welcoming emotions as messengers.
Which, of course, brings me to Rumi.
THE GUEST HOUSE
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
*This question pulled from and post inspired by a story about Margaret Wheatly that my dad sent me from dailygood.org.
