So much of our suffering is caused by fear. Whether perceived or otherwise, fear has the capacity to paralyze. In many ways, it restricts our lives and creating a burden of suffering unlike any we’ve ever known before.

Likewise, fear has the capacity to create unprecedented violence and oppression, with generations bearing the scars of fear’s greatest unrest.

And, there’s just no escaping it – is there? No matter how hard we try, fear is ever-present within our consciousness – gnawing, spinning, telling tales. We live in a world that imposes (is steeped) it’s fears. Whether the horrors of war, or a simple knee jerk reaction – fear is always poised to rear its ugly head. Either way, our reactions can be extreme.

So, how do we walk the path of fear? How do we reconcile the physicality with the often overwhelming perception?

I’m reminded of a story, one in which a menacing samurai rides through the villages and countryside, unleashing immeasurable acts of violence and destruction. He is relentless in his reign of fear.

Until one day, when he happens upon a lone monk and Zen Master left sitting in meditation.

“Don’t you know who I am,” he snarls. “I’m the one who could run you through with my sword without batting an eye?”

To which the Zen Master responded, “And I, sir, am the one who could be run through by a sword without batting an eye.”

It’s one of my favorite lessons with respect to fear and the power of our mind.

That is to say, our fear is only as big as our minds will allow it to be.

The choice is always ours, my friends. Though fear may be unavoidable, reaction is something always within our control.

Perhaps, next time when presented with another’s upset or anger – we might understand that fear has simply gotten the better of them. And, how wonderful it might be for us to help.

A little something to consider on this day, my loves ~ ❤️