The human mind is an fascinating neighborhood to explore. It is truly a perfect, self-contained unit. Computers covet the human mind for its creativity, response time, originality and uniqueness. And no matter how many advances guys like Bill Gates (bagillionaire to the nth degree) happen upon, they will never in fact, duplicate it. Just like drugs will never completely mimic the self-repairing aspects of the human body – I think it just can’t be done. I’m sure you scientific types will challenge me – but I doubt you will manage to persuade me to change my mind.
So…what scares us? I know people who are afraid of mice, spiders, cockroaches and bees. Why? They are a fraction of the size of most humans. They don’t have the same reasoning abilities or the ingenuity – so what’s to fear? Could it be, somewhere down the genetic alleyway they were giant, menacing creatures that ate us for breakfast? (Just a little salt & pepper, nix on the hot sauce.) Is there an automatic imprint in our minds that tell us there is danger?
What about scary movies? I loved them when I was a teenager – but as an adult they bother me. In fact, movies in the recent past have made me afraid of my bathroom, wells, unlit rooms, my neighbors and even tomatoes! (Okay, lying about the tomatoes.) What changed? What happened? Life? Experience? A latent or deeply buried signal that reactivated after so many hours of exposure to horror movies?
How about fear of commitment…the intangible fear. Is it fear of the future or lack thereof? Is it based on experience or is it just a reminder that queues up flashing pictures of previous lost loves that confused us? The reason for which we still haven’t discovered? Do each of us possess a lookout scout to forewarn us of those things that will surprise and hurt us in an unexpected way?
Finally, the big picture – fear of death and destruction, terrorism, blowing up the planet, dying, taxes, no future for our children – all the many things that we feel we have absolutely no control over. And I suppose that is the worst fear of all. Being afraid that things will happen and we have no power to change, avert or avoid them. That our only choice is to face them in whatever way we can, when and if it happens. I suppose these are the real challenges for us – those things that make us rise or fall to the occasion. The things that show us what we are made of and if in fact, we are cowards or heroes.
Something to think about, don’t you think?
WC
Anita Rodgers Mystery Writer 
It scares me to wonder if I’m doing the right things and making the right choices for my kids.
I would imagine all parents feel that way. I think all you can do is try your best. I’m sure your kids know you have their best interests in mind.
WC
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I try not to think of fear very much. The Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear helps during those times when it does. But then again I am a bit of a sci-fi geek.
Sounds interesting Evyl. Where can I read this litany?
WC
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The only thing that really scares the bejeezus out of me are bees. I don’t see it as some latent fear that I’ve yet to come to grips with. I just don’t think my body really likes going into anyphlactic shock.
It’s something about that nasty breathing habit I have, I guess.
Overall, the world has changed since when we were kids. The media has sadly made us fully aware of all that we should fear. Sometimes the only choice we truly have is to accept it and move on. Hard to do for many.
My wife on the big picture:
“The only sure things in life are death, taxes and laundry.”
~m
Oh no, Mikey – you have Bee-o-phobia? I had no idea. Can you eat honey?
LOL on wife’s big picture take.
WC
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Sankes and Heights scare the bejesus out of me mostly snakes yoikes…feet don’t fail me now on that one.
Can’t ride in glass elevators I face the door and cower like a little girl 🙂 There is an old classic B movie from the 70’s era that is kinda funny with the likes of Deforrest Kelley in it called “Night of the Lepus” is about a town over-run by Giant Rabbits
from an experiment to stop the rabbits from reproducing gone bad.
Hmm…bunnies gone wild. The horrors! 😉
WC
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I have several fears, too many to name, but in the long run it all comes down to one thing, will you rule fear or will fear rule you….that’s the motto I try to live by!!
peace & love!!
Good philosophy, FC! I like it. I may steal it. hehe.
WC
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A fear is only valid as long we don’t have to face it. Sometimes it’s a relief to finally have to face what we thought would come to pass only to realise that we indeed survived it. Once faced, it’s gone. Of course this is only relevant for those aspects of life which we have no control over.
As for those fears of spiders, heights etc. I just don’t know. Some theorise that its past life memories, some that it’s natures way of ensuring the ‘fight or flight’ response so needed when we lived in caves is still in us, kind of like keeping us in practise!! Whatever the reason, fear is as much a part of life as breathing I think, and defines us as much as our loves.
I agree Kelly – sometimes it’s scarier worrying about facing the fear than the actuality. Though I’m not sure I agree about fears defining us. You may have a point but I’ll have to think on that one for a while.
WC
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As for flight-fight response from a personal view on this I was diagnosed with panic disorder in 1995 was awful. The first year therapy medications were at some pretty high levels 12 mgs of klonopin a day…. walking zombie…..oh what a feeling:) Today, I may have an attack now and then but with a little conscious effort I can control it before it goes into full blown attacks…
Gee Gerry, that’s gotta suck. I’m sorry you have that difficulty in your life.
WC
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The litany is as follow’s. I am to lazy to go re-read it and look it up. But my memory is pretty decent so I will quote it and if you wish to look it up. You can tell me what I missed.
‘ Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fears. I will permit it to pass over and through me. When the fear is gone, I will turn my inner eye to see it’s path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.’
It is from the Dune series by Frank Herbert.
Wow, I like that. Very much. You know, I never read those books because I saw part of the movie they made with Sting based on Dune and it was lame and those big wiggly worm thangs just creeped me out. LOL. Maybe I should reconsider.
WC
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I like your graphic.
Lots of good ideas in your blog.
Check for unique, colorful blog, different from anything you’ve seen with great advice for eliminating fear of the future and living fully today.
http://waterfallsuplift.blogspot.com
thnks dave
Hey Tx Dave,
Thanks for coming by – hope you’ll come back. I think I’ll check your ‘sales’ blog soon. And thanks for the other link. 😉
WC
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