I believe that religion welcomes an alternative. It promotes faith in some greater process, which may be divine will, universal order or just the course of life itself. This is not inaction or passivity. Instead, it is a deliberate action and the realization that everything cannot be controlled. In this context, submitting is not कमज but is a show of power. It embodies great faith in the ability to make it through anything.
The other important feature of the transition between the state of fear and faith is the change in the identity. Identity of fear tends to be premised on limitation. It circumscribes the self with reference to what is missing, what might be wrong or what should be avoided. Conversely, faith-based identity establishes itself on the possibility. It perceives the self as being competent, strong, and related to something bigger.
Such a change does not occur in a flash. It has to be practiced and reinforced. The thoughts that are influenced by fear can still occur, though they are not necessarily believed anymore. They are, rather, confronted with consciousness and softly steered back on track. New ways of thinking and being replace over time. There is confidence – not that there is no fear, but that it no longer determines action.
Community and connection are also an important part of this transformation. Fear is isolating. It provides a feeling of isolation and people feel alone in the struggle. Connection however, is frequently enhanced by faith. Relationships, spiritual communities, or a feeling of belonging to the divine, faith teaches people that they are not alone. This feeling of belonging is reassuring and helps to overcome difficulties.
Meditation, prayer, reflection, and mindfulness practices can also aid the process of fear to faith. Such practices generate room to be still and clear. They enable one to see his thoughts without getting caught up in them. Here, more insights are found. One starts to see that fear is not what they are but just a momentary affair.
The other potent instrument in this change is gratitude. It is common that fear centers on what is lacking or what might go amiss. Gratitude changes the focus to what is available and what is working out. This change does not disregard challenges but evens out world-view. It fosters a feeling of generosity and gratefulness, strengthening faith in life.
The path of fear to faith is not one. There might be disappointments, times of uncertainty, and times when fear appears to take over. This is an inherent aspect of the process. Spiritual change does not entail perfection but the enhancement of consciousness and congruence. Every difficulty is a chance to work on faith, to trust instead of fear again.
The aggregate impact of these decisions will over time result in deep transformation. Life starts to be different. The decisions are not as much of avoidance as of purpose. Relationships are made more real. The feeling of peace is more, even amid uncertainty. This does not imply that the challenges are eliminated but they are dealt with in a new attitude.
Pure light and infinite love be with us!