FEAR - This is a discussion about Fear. Fear comes in many packages, in many colors and flavors. We generally hate Fear, because as civilized creatures we don't usually utilize the physiological advantage Fear gives us as it is activated; we shun the emotion because we don't understand its value. Some of us love fear…because it is as old as the (human) existence, and has been as important to us as any single tool for survival --- back when we as creatures needed it. Whether you love it or hate it -- understand that We still need the tool; take the time to remember that.
From: salon 7 To: [email protected] Subject: fear Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 Hey Mr K sensei, Right now I’m in a financial crunch (personal definition, there are far more people out there who'd wish to be in my situation, than me liking my situation). I haven't been meditating or cleansing more than I should be doing, in fact I called in sick today just to get this quiet time I use to have and squandered away during my college days. What that statement was leading to was during Comedy Improv last night, I just looked into my partners eyes and just started getting inundated with images of hurt in family with him and his children and it kinda got me. This "gift" is a scary thing for me. I don't think I’m mature enough for it so I just go nonchalant on my ways...yet frustrated because I’m forever being the student, at least I feel that way because I still have many vague notions that must fall. I have been reading the Void very casually...unlike most of my academic reading where I would power through it (Alan Watts included) I read a sentence or two and I put it down. It's sufficient enough for me to understand, ponder and percolate for an evening. I wish I had the transcripts on your Learning center lectures regarding Guilt and Shame. I appreciate you as a friend (Spirit Guide, since I don't see you in person. Only thoughts that you send through the computer, very Matrixesque) and my question to you as a guidepost is, how can I overcome Fears to get to my next level. I don't remember if I told you but, even my Acupuncturist says she can see fear in my body yet I try to hold on to what confidence I have in me. I mean I am not a mouse, yet there is stagnation in my journey to become what I aspire to be because I just have something holding me back. Denial of my fears perhaps. I'll have to like at that some other time when I can do it constructively, doing it now will have me spiraling. Anyhow, I hope the attachment goes through this time...Daily Zen isn't really Cod Liver Oil, maybe for some but to me its like a Tootsie Roll Pop... You just enjoy it, you may on occasion wonder how many likes it takes to get to the center, but then you stop wondering and just enjoy it because it eventually will come. Not all at once, when it does you start to chew to your content. Then you want more. Maybe its more like a SourBall; sour and bitter as hell in the beginning but then as you patiently leave it in your mouth the sweet center reveals itself...I think I’m going to get some candy now. Take it Easy sir. Salon 7 __________________________________________________ Kellog reply: Hi Salon. Your guidepost question is multi-faceted. Yes - you are full of fear. No- it is not unusual. Zen training Is cod liver oil. It is bringing your fear to the surface, where you are now free to deal with it. What you are reacting to, why the fears are oozing to the surface --- is the exposure to your spirit, and to your self-realization. This hits everyone who moves along the path. In your case, the emotion that oozes is fear. Fear, in itself, exists in us as a primary (primitive) condition. The other fear - the conditioned fear - is what you are feeling, and it is a product of your mental, physical, and spiritual state --- and the influences in your life. This fear can be addressed, dealt with. In fact, it Must be addressed within you to make any substantial progress with your spiritual path. How does one deal with this fear? By first recognizing the source, and adjusting one's etiquette with the Wurld. The conditioned fear is not just from ignorance; it can be resultant from any of the Civilized "skins" -- guilt, shame, greed, selfishness, lust... these are the major causes, but there are others, more personal and specific as well.
It takes a strong and humble person to recognize the source of his/her fear. This is a huge step, and many never make it. They instead build a protocol to exist within the Wurlds�?precepts with their own fear. They live on, doing the best they believe they can, with their fears either bottled inside (causing personal problems and illness). Or they allow their fears to overflow into public life (where they act out their problems through injustice towards others). Once one has made the adjustment and recognized the source of fear, how does one deal with the fear, and the cause of it? It is largely determined by the source (the root of the problem.) For example, if my source of fear is a lust for world possessions, (and I have some, and I have great fear of becoming poor) my solution is to take the action of understanding that both gain and poverty are material conditions, existing only here. I need then to realize that the "here" is temporary, and I cannot take the gains - or the poverty -- with me when I die. Of course --- I can continue to re-incarnate and latch onto the Wurld, and its materialism, if I choose --- and continue to enjoy the suffering of Fear - and all it's attachments. You see, Salon7 --- the real question is not - "how do I conquer my fear?" Fears are an intrinsic part of existing in the Wurld. Fear results when your etiquette is not in balance with your Spirit, and with your heroic quest on this Wurld. Seeking enlightenment, and reaching calmness with the Wurld --- will successfully address your concerns with fear. Fear is your psyche's attempt at healing an injury by placing a "band aid". It doesn't work in the long run, but your psyche doesn't know that J Blessing Be
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