Fear is a four-letter word. It’s a big word that carries a lot of weight in many of our lives and dictates what we think, act and how we choose to live. Now don’t get me wrong, fear has a place in our lives. We are afraid to walk up to the snarling dog or stick our hand into someplace we can’t see. But I’m not so sure that it’s not more common sense than fear.
We all have fears. Some we came into this life walk with from previous life experiences. Some we learn from those around us and some are taught to us by family, religion and society to “keep us in line”. And like I said above, some fears are okay. It’s when we become debilitated or confined/defined by our fears that they become an issue.
We often tell clients that the only power fear has is the power we give it. I saw this quote the other day on a Facebook page I frequent called Shaman Tube. It’s a great quote and good fodder for a shamanic journey or two.
Once there was a young warrior. Her teacher told her that she had to do battle with fear. She didn’t want to do that. It seemed too aggressive; it was scary; it seemed unfriendly. But the teacher said she had to do it and gave her the instructions for the battle.
The day arrived. The student warrior stood on one side, and fear stood on the other. The warrior was feeling very small, and fear was looking big and wrathful. They both had their weapons.
The young warrior roused herself and went toward fear, prostrated three times, and asked, “May I have permission to go into battle with you?” Fear said, “Thank you for showing me so much respect that you ask permission.” Then the young warrior said, “How can I defeat you?” Fear replied, “My weapons are that I talk fast, and I get very close to your face. Then you get completely unnerved, and you do whatever I say. If you don’t do what I tell you, I have no power. You can listen to me, and you can have respect for me. You can even be convinced by me. But if you don’t do what I say, I have no power.” In that way, the student warrior learned how to defeat fear. ~Pema Chödrön
I invite you to take a journey or two or three with your Guides/Allies and face down those fears that are getting in your way. Tell them that you choose not to do what they say and let them know they are powerless over you. As you return from your journey, notice how free you feel. Know that you can always return at any time to face down any new or additional fears and take back your power.
Enjoy your new found freedom.
Until Next Time –
Mitakuye Oyasin (A Lakota prayer reminding us we are all related),
Debbie