Fearing Fear

FDR said “All we have to fear is fear itself.” Whether it was the challenges of the great depression or the threats of World War II involvement, FDR knew what every school yard scrapper comes to understand. Fear of a bully or pending fight paralyzes action. Leaping into the fray, putting fear aside momentarily, unleashes the power and action needed to at least make a good showing, or even defeat the enemy!

The same is true in war, isn't it? Or depression or joblessness – whatever grave threat  reminds us of the perilous-ness of our existence.

I recall a time I was unexpectedly unemployed. I feared not having money enough for rent, food or transportation. I called my dad; I was only out of college 10 months. He said he’d help me when and if I need extra cash. That’s all I needed. That was a Friday. On Monday I got in my car and drove in on the Eisenhower expressway from Oak Park into Chicago. The sun was shining over Lake Michigan backlighting the skyline. I remember thinking that before me lay one of the great cities of the world. Surely there was a job for me, a place for me in that giant complexity of economic activity.

And there was. I had a job by the end of the day. This was 1966. From that day I knew that all would be well if I made the proper effort.  A good life lesson.

Over the years I've observed the lesson well many times. I’m reminded of something Marie Curie wrote:

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to  understand more so that we may fear less.”

Whether a mystery of science, or history or personal life, understanding the challenge is required if we are not to fear it.

Having the 2012 national elections so fresh in our memory, recall the claims of calamity, either hinted or claimed outright if we voted for the wrong person! A common theme ot political rhetoric and advertising for candidates or political parties. “Do this or weep” seems to be the message.

The answer to the fear mongering, of course, is understanding the issues well enough to know when such messages are cannon fodder to win votes from people ignorant of the facts. Often voters don’t really feel comfortable with a set of complex facts – the national debt, unrest in the Middle East, high cost of energy and the possibility of insufficient supplies that would jack up the costs – these are issues that seemingly have surface truth surrounding them. But no; they are manipulated by sound bites. Understanding tells us that plentiful energy supplies abound. Future supplies will most likely come from new technology and scientific breakthroughs. Middle Eastern politics revolve mainly around oil fields and who benefits from the trade of petroleum throughout the world. Political unrest is evidence of political power mongering. If oil were of lesser importance, the region’s political life would settle into petty bickering among the powerless, not of global concern.

Know the facts. Understand the relevance of issues. Their fearsome power ebbs to a tiny fraction of the initial concern.

A Buddhist adage shares this bit of calm wisdom:

“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.”

Therein lays the power or the power denied! Fear not the unknown. As well fear not the other person’s illusion of influence over you. And you will be free to live your life with conviction and commitment. Knowledge is power over such things. First, however, we must gain the knowledge.

Democracy is not for weaklings or lazy people. It takes work to understand the issues and to maintain an inquiring mind so facts, history and understanding grows with experience and effort.

Brazilian author and wise man Paulo Coelho gives this advice:

            “If you only walk on sunny days, you will never reach your destination.”

Lord knows that’s true in Chicago! Lots of cloudy days here especially from November through March. If anything is to be accomplished, each day must be part of our action plans. Fear has to be conquered each day. Understanding needs to be gained each day. We best walk the walk each day, sunny or not.

What are you doing today? Will you listen to the naysayers and doubters with power to grab? Or will you do your own thinking? And work?

Fear not! The future is a wonder to behold!

January 11, 2013