Fear.
- clearstreamzendo
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
This week’s topic for reflection is fear. Fear is a strong, powerful word. Severe fear that causes trauma can lodge itself deep in one's psychology and body. Very few people are spared this, at least to some extent. Some trauma is usually best addressed with the help of trained professionals. Setting trauma aside, this topic is directed toward the more everyday fear we all encounter. The fear where we still potentially have a choice.
Please take a moment to reflect on when and how fear shows up in your life. Think of some examples. How does it feel both physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s important to see it and recognize it. Once it’s clearly seen it can be dealt with. Here are a few kinds of fear.
There is the fear of change which can lead to being stuck, unable to act. This fear often shows up as risk. This risk is often seen as the situation will change and this will make things worse. Also it could be the risk of making a choice and things getting worse. Not acting seems to hold the possibility that things will not change and there might be safety in this. Sooner or later however, things will change.
There is the fear that helps keep us safe. For example when a full logging truck is quickly approaching, the sudden awareness of this becomes clear and acute and the brake is pushed with very little thought . There can be fear when encountering someone dangerous and the wise choice is made to stay away from them. Hopefully these fears fade away when the threat passes. To carry them along after they are no longer needed is of coarse counter productive. Fear can focus our attention on what’s important.
There is intelligent fear ie. with eyes open moving within the situation which is dynamic and powerful, full of active change. This intelligent fear has made friends with change and so to speak has entered the stream. It asks the question, “What is the situation and what can I do with this?” Thus fear and risk show up more as an opportunity instead of threat. It feels like willingly leaning into the fear and the moment. “I don’t know what I’ll do. Let’s find out.” This can be developed with practice. I heard Frank Sinatra was often afraid before a performance.
As much as anyone is attached to what they have and who they believe they are and fear loosing it, they will feel afraid and under threat. Surely, eventually, we will loose whatever we have. Intelligent fear teaches us to be okay with loss even if it’s sad and painful. If we don’t unnecessarily cling to this feeling, it too will pass. Here it helps to know we are not what we have and are essentially nothing that can be lost.
There is a saying in Zen, “Give no fear.” To give and to receive are synonyms. This equality is the definition of ”no” as in no fear. There is no separation between giver, receiver and gift or fear. Be courageous toward fear. Being together however we are is, giving no fear.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person zazen at the McNail Riley House Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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