Aloha,
When I was doing research yesterday about the history of Halloween, I found it interesting when I noticed how people seemed compelled to add fear to the mythology. A time that was meant to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the coming year became a time to protect yourself and your property from the dark forces. I even found a site that quoted the Bible about the need to kill witches in their attempt to generate fear and make Halloween a ‘bad’ thing.
Fear is a very powerful emotion and a wonderful indication that we have disconnected from our spirit. Recently I have received several emails from readers asking me for concrete ways to overcome fear once it has taken hold of their thinking. I find this Native American story a wonderful way to deal with fear. It is a Cherokee story of the two wolves.
I have modified the story a bit, but it is wonderful way to allow fear or anger to become an non-issue.
A young boy was talking to his grandfather about having fear.
He said, “I know I am meant to be brave and trust in the Great Spirit. I fight and fight with the fear. What should I do grandfather?”
The grandfather looked at the young boy and said, “It is like a terrible fight, and it goes inside most people. It is like a battle between two wolves.”
“Which one will win?” asked the boy.
The grandfather smiled and replied, “The one you feed.”
When you begin to feel fear, acknowledge it but don’t feed it. By that I mean feel the fear, realize it isn’t real, take a few deep breaths, and then focus on something you really love. It can be a totally unrelated thought. I was once told I couldn’t think about a beautiful rose and be afraid at the same time. You can’t really focus your attention on two things at once.
Of course I find focusing on the image a beautiful angel embracing me extremely useful, especially if, in that moment, I am also asking that angel for help in letting go of my fear.So, don’t feed the fear; each time it arises, look away and see the love of an angel instead. You may have to do that every second for a while, but eventually your mind gets the idea and lets go of the fear.
Training our mind is much like training a puppy–it takes time, repetitio,n and perseverance. I also find it helps to practice shifting my attention when I am not really terrified so when fear does arise, I know I can focus on something else instead.
With love and aloha,
Susan
Angels are all about love, so let them love you and allow them to erase your fears.
posted October 24, 2009 at 10:33 am
Thank you for this post about fear.You are right when you say that if we let fear surface on you,you are like disconnected to our true spirit.I do feel fearful at some life situations,i think i have both the feeling of fearful and courageous at the same time.We both need the two,let the fear become just a warning or precaution,and let courage be our anchor to tap that fear and always say a prayer for every situation we encounter,there is always power in prayers.
posted October 25, 2009 at 7:27 am
This is a beautiful message… I will certainly remember the story of the wolves.
FYI – You are doing a great job. I look forward to your blogs. Keep up the great work!
Blessings to you and all you do,
Karen
posted October 25, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Thanks Karen. I am glad you enjoy the blog. The story of the two wolves has helped me many times.
With love and aloha,
Susan