Fear & Chanting in Berkeley.

What do you fear?

What is fear robbing from your soul?

To get in touch with my inner-monk I am learning how to chant. (Yes, it is very cool and I love it.)Yesterday was my first attempt at chanting the Gospel in front of the group. As class progressed I noticed that I was becoming more and more reluctant to stand before the 25 other students and chant. At about the same time the instructor told us that standing before the group is where we bring our personal baggage and that it is difficult to stand before one’s peers and be vulnerable. So I admitted to myself that I was allowing fear to prevent me from doing something that I really wanted to do. I stood before the group and admitted that I was allowing my fear to stop me—suddenly my fear dissipated. Just by noticing and admitting that I was afraid the fear vanquished. I named it. It was just fear, nothing more.

This led me to question the times in my life where I allowed fear to prevent me from doing something that I truly wanted? Fear is subtle. It seeps into my life and attempts to rob me of what I am capable of becoming. If I am not careful fear will whisper to me a message that leaves me nearly paralyzed and I won’t even be conscious that I am afraid.

What dream is fear stealing from you?

Have you ever noticed that fear can be disguised as control and anger? I have learned that I don't have to be ashamed of my fear, I just need to be honest about my fear. That requires me to reflect inwardly, to listen to my soul, and to be honest with myself.

Have you ever observed that fear seems to only exist when you are running from it? Don't you think that it often takes more energy to live in fear than it does to face fear? Fear doesn’t prevent me from being embarrassed or hurt, it prevents me from having joy and from living.

Yesterday was a great reminder not to be afraid of my fear.