Fear, the Opposite of Love

   

In my last entry I was talking about how fear can make you “scatter brained.” If we are “scatter brained” we forget things. We don't do our assignments well. We are like strangers to ourselves... Not to mention that fear causes us to see the worst in others.

In the  Bible (the Christian Scriptures) 1 John 4:18, we read: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

You don't need to be a Christian to know that this is true.

Ask yourself this question: “If I am afraid of someone, am I  able to love them?”

Let me address that problem of seeing the worst in others.

Sometimes it doesn't hit you that you are doing that until everyone walks away from you. However, on a larger scale, hate crimes, bullying and negativity on even a national basis will be the outcome. Policies created by fear are restrictive and oppressive. Fear is never based on facts, nor is it based on knowledge or wisdom.

At the basis of fear lies ignorance. We might be afraid of a secretive neighbor or someone who looks like “those people.”  And instead of getting to know that person and those people we start making up stories. We observe and we jump to conclusions. Fear is also “contagious.” If someone panics, you can be sure that many more will panic. .

I have three exercises for you this week:

1. Make a list of things you like about someone you fear or dislike.

2. Do a meditation/concentration. Breathe deeply and relax. Envision a concentration of light / or Christ light in your heart. Let this light expand slowly so that eventually you are standing in this globe of light. (Some of you might call it God energy, Cosmic or Universal energy... Use whatever you are used to. It needs to be an energy of well-being.)

As your energy expands, see yourself in this globe of light, notice the sensations and feelings you have. Keep your mind focused. Then think of someone you dislike or fear and place them before you. Now imagine them also in their own globe of light. What does this person seem like in their globe of light? See their light expanding outward. Eventually both your globes of light touch and then intersect and if you can manage merge. Dwell in that meditation for a while. What are you learning?
Journal what you experienced and learned.

       3. Think of someone you have avoided because you were afraid of them, or you were afraid
           that others think of you less if they see you with that person.
           I encourage you to face your fear and try to get to know that person.

© 2012 Angelika Mitchell