Today we live in an atmosphere of almost constant threats and alarms. The president raises fears of WWIII, Al Queda threatens more attacks, the Homeland Security Department announces an increased threat level. Every evening we watch news about illegal immigrants, California wildfires, tornadoes in the Midwest, hurricanes approaching our coasts, etc. The drumbeat of fear seems loud and incessant. Is it any wonder that many, if not most Americans tell pollsters that they are fearful about their own and the country's future?

But there are opposing voices. The Omega Institute recently held a conference on "Being Fearless". (NYC April 13-15, 2007). Former Vice President Al Gore and renowned primatologist Jane Goodall appeared as keynote speakers. In the words of Goodall, "use the gift of our lives to make the world a better place." Al Gore said: "The Chinese expression for crisis consists of two characters. The first is a symbol for danger; the second is a symbol for opportunity. If we shrink from danger out of fear, we miss the opportunity to wake up and make a difference." Other keynote speakers included screenwriter and humorist Nora Ephron; visionary and healer Caroline Myss; author and activist Arianna Huffington; and Tibetan spiritual teacher Samdhong Rinpoche.

To begin to understand how to live without fear, we need to start by understanding what fear is, and how it takes control of our lives. Wikipedia states: "Fear is an emotional response to impending danger, that is tied to anxiety." When we perceive a danger, whether it is real or imagined, an innate defense mechanism is triggered, causing anxiety which is manifested in most cases by a trio of feelings - Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD).

So what can we do, how can we proceed to confront the dangerous situation without sinking into a state of fear? You can defeat FUD by imagining yourself achieving your goals, by tuning out negative remarks by others, avoiding negative self-talk, and by surrounding yourself with people who have similar interests. Self-help books and courses are available, many at little to no cost. Therapies ranging from Yoga to psychiatric counseling offer escape from a life driven by fear and anxiety. If a specific fear, such as dreading to visit the dentist, is replaced by a generalized one, like a fear of going out in public, professional help is probably indicated.

Most people who counsel on overcoming fear say that you should start by admitting the specific case that affects you. That means that you must make an honest assessment of just what takes place within you whenever a situation arises that leads to a fearful reaction. Then it is time to make a plan to deal with your response to the situation. Write a list of other ways you could react to seeing a danger. For instance, if I think that so-and-so is out to get me, I might just say, "Forget him, he can't really do anything to me.", or I could offer an olive branch - perhaps invite him or her to have lunch, my treat. Finally, talk over your former fears with a sympathetic person, preferably someone who is calm in a crisis situation. Their confidence may prove to be contagious.

Some inspiration may be found in the following quotes.
Eleanor Roosevelt: "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
Marcus Aurelius: "If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."
Ray Bradbury: "If we listened to our intellect, we'd never have a love affair. We'd never have a friendship. We'd never go into business, because we'd be cynical. Well, that's nonsense. You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down."

Most of us will probably never be completely fearless, but that is a good thing. Fear is useful as a survival mechanism, keeping us from treading on dangerous ground, or entering a lion's den. But unreasoned fear, or fear which exceeds the actual level of danger, can be paralyzing, and should be dealt with.

So go ahead, take that chance, risk rejection or dismissal, try that new recipe, take that exotic vacation trip. You'll find an exhilarating experience, and perhaps, even a new, fearless you.

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