Fear ‘’ Extreme fear can neither fight nor fly ‘’

No one can deny that fear takes part in our lives. But,

·        How huge is this part?

·        How does it affect us?

·        Is it entirely harmful?

·        Do we need to avoid it?

Too many questions could be asked and wondered about when it comes to fear, but more than one perspective must be taken into consideration.

However, the thing that we can agree upon is whenever we hear this word, we don’t feel good.

If we look up the definition of fear, there is a lot to say, but this is not the case because anyone can easily define it. The dilemma lies in this question: is fear a feeling or an illusion?

To be able to answer this question, everybody will have to look deep down inside themselves to determine what is the role that fear plays in their lives.

The truth is that fear is a feeling that could be easily turned into an illusion that kills anyone alive.

In a very simple form fear is a natural, powerful, and primitive human emotion. It involves a universal biochemical response as well as a high individual emotional response. Fear alerts us to the presence of danger or the threat of harm, whether that danger is physical or psychological. Then, fear is good but if it is at the basic level. Fear guides our fight or flight responses and helps to keep us safe and alive. Fear heightens your senses and awareness; it keeps you alert and helps in better preparation.

The issue arises when it is turned to an illusion. When fear pulls us back, when it affects our ability to evolve, or when it prevents us from enjoying life, it is an illusion. This is not to say you don’t experience fear. Of course you do--and in some cases it’s necessary. But what’s driving the fear you experience is almost always, false. Too much fear that paralyses action is the bad thing. Have you ever done something you were fearful of doing then looking back you wonder why you were scared?

If you want to use it wisely, you have to know that fear is not as automatic as you think. Fear is part instinct, part learned, and part taught. Some fears are instinctive: pain, for example, causes fear because of its implications for survival. Other fears are learned: we learn to be afraid of certain people, places, or situations because of negative associations and past experiences. A near drowning incident, for example, may cause fear each time you get close to a body of water. Other fears are taught: cultural norms often dictate whether something should be feared or not. For example, certain social groups are feared and persecuted because of a societally-created impression that they are dangerous.

Fear is also partly imagined, and so it can arise in the absence of something scary. In fact, because our brains are so efficient, we begin to fear a range of stimuli that are not scary (conditioned fear) or not even present. We get scared because of what we imagine could happen. Some neuroscientists claim that humans are the most fearful creatures on the planet because of our ability to learn, think, and create fear in our minds. But this low-grade, objectless fear can turn into chronic anxiety about nothing specific, and become debilitating. Here is when the fear is an illusion. There is no greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, and no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through fear will always be safe.

In summary, fear can be as much an ally, as it can be an enemy. And fear of fear can keep you locked in a cage of insecurity. However, fear can be healthy. It is programmed into your nervous system and gives you the survival instincts you need to keep yourself safe from danger. Fear is unhealthy when it makes you more cautious than you really need to be to stay safe and when it prevents you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy.

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