One of the strongest forces that define human experience is fear. It is animal, instinctive and ingrained in our minds. Fear is a survival mechanism that we experience since the first steps in life, alerts us of danger and directs us to avoid the harm. However, as much as fear is necessary to ensure physical survival, it can be a significant obstacle to emotional, mental and spiritual development. Faith, on the contrary is another type of force- the type that goes beyond the immediate situation and encourages one to believe in something bigger than oneself. The fear-faith transition is not an easy process but a fundamental transformation of spirituality that transforms identity, perception, and purpose.
Fear is, after all, the consequence of uncertainty. It flourishes in the darkness, feeding itself off doubt, insecurity and a sense of being out of control. It is likely to close the mind whether it comes in the form of fear of failure, rejection, loss or even death. Fear causes people to be withdrawn and defensive, which is not conducive to change. The decision making is done in a careful manner to the extent of being paralysed. Life is not about seeking meaning but evading pain. Faith, on the other hand, expands perspective. It does not eradicate doubt but re-packages it.
Faith enables the unknown to be viewed as possibility as opposed to being perceived as a threat. Faith is not wishful thinking or refusal to see the hardships; it is a deliberate decision to believe even when we do not have all the information. It takes boldness–not lack of fear, but the readiness to take action in the face of it.
Awareness is often the starting point of transformation of fear to faith. Fear is a way of life to many of us, and we may not realize it. It works insidiously, influencing thoughts and behavior in the way that seems normal or right. Accepting fear as what it is, not as an absolute truth, but as a response, the first step toward transformation. The awareness leaves room. It enables people to challenge their beliefs and think of other points of view.
Once the fear is identified, the second step is to determine the causes of the fear. Fear seldom happens by chance. It is usually connected to the previous experience, acquired beliefs or well formed patterns. An example is that a person who has been rejected might form a fear of being vulnerable, and prevent meaningful relationships to stop them experiencing pain. Although this reaction can have been previously protective, it eventually inhibits development and intimacy.
The underlying patterns must be addressed in order to undergo spiritual transformation. This may be an uncomfortable, even painful process. It entails going back to wounds, provoking old beliefs and abandoning fear-based identities. But it is through this confrontation that curing starts. Its power is weakened by placing fear in the conscious awareness. What felt overwhelming before can now be analyzed, comprehended and ultimately overcome.
Surrender is a critical aspect of this change. Surrendering in most spiritual traditions is not about relinquishing but letting go of the illusion of having a grip. Fear is usually based on the need to dominate the results- to be safe, predictable and certain. Nevertheless, life is unpredictable. The need to be in control of everything is always frustrating and anxiety-inducing.
Pure light and infinite love be with us!