dailydatewithgod

There is an elemental reality based on fear which many of us find ourselves operating from whether we intend to or not. It is an instinctual process built within us to save our lives. Fear is not a bad thing.  We need it to survive on all levels.  It is not about getting rid of it, but noticing its role as a sentinel we have in place to keep an eye out and keep us safe.  Sometimes we become so accustomed to the presence of the sentinel we do not realize we do not need it in certain areas anymore.  As we use fear as an opportunity to be in keen awareness and garner some courage to move through something, we find there is no need for a sentinel at the door of our hearts, our minds, or our bodies as we once thought.  When we are exploring anything unfamiliar whether it is physical, emotional, or intellectual territory the mere fact of unfamiliarity will bring up fear.  Fear narrows our focus so we can attend to what may potentially harm us.  When we pause and take a breath after noticing the fear, we realize it is not going to actually end our lives.  With reassessment, we can determine the need for fear to behave as a sentinel.  We learn how to have an uncomfortable conversation with a loved one by walking through the unfamiliarity of speaking up for ourselves.  We take a chance at seeing how much farther we can run or hold the yoga pose than we thought we could by pushing past the voice in our head which is telling us what our body can and can’t handle comfortably. We listen with some discomfort to someone who has a different perspective on an idea about which we are convinced we are right to see if there are any points worth considering.  With each of these actions, we give the sentinel of fear permission to slip away.  The unfamiliar which garnered the fear is no longer present because of our actions.  The actions provide evidence of no longer needing a sentinel of fear in that particular area of our lives.  We can say thank you for your service of standing guard over my heart, body, or mind, your services are no longer needed.