Understanding Fear and Trust: A Journey Towards Self-Discovery
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Chapter 1: The Tale of Trust and Fear
Once upon a time, Trust set forth from its sacred home in the Universal womb to explore the wonders crafted by Divine Intelligence for all living beings. However, at the very first bend in the journey, Trust encountered a sly and malevolent entity lounging beneath a tree.
“Where are you headed?” the entity inquired.
“I’m on my way to find happiness,” replied Trust. “And who might you be?”
The creature burst into a mocking laugh, its eyes glinting with malice. “I am Fear.”
“I’ve heard of you,” Trust continued. “So, you’re the one who obstructs the path to happiness?”
“Don't be naive. I’m not here to block anyone’s way. I exist to remind you that happiness is a myth. I prevent people from enduring pain later on.”
“And what good does that do? Many who heed your warnings end up suffering more by not chasing their desires.”
“But the current situation is safer. It’s better to endure familiar suffering than to risk new pain.”
“You’re mistaken. You wish to confine people in a bubble, where nothing can touch them. Emotions aren’t fragile. If we fear a few scratches, we miss out on life’s most profound experiences.”
“But no one enjoys suffering!”
“That’s true. Yet, suffering is a signal that we may not be on the right path. It doesn’t occur randomly; it exists to enhance our discernment. We only grow when we dare to live fully, and that’s where I come in.”
“Lies,” scoffed Fear. “You’re selling false dreams. How many have trusted you only to be let down?”
Chapter 1.1: The Nature of Trust
“You’re mistaken. I don’t offer guarantees. Trust isn’t about believing everything will go our way. Often, what we desire isn't what’s best for us, and we realize this only later. Life has its wisdom. Trust means understanding that, regardless of the outcome, something beneficial is happening, even if we can't see it at the moment.”
“But that makes us feel even more insecure,” Fear countered. “How can we muster the courage to live and make choices, knowing that things won’t always go as we wish?”
“First, you must realize that trust isn’t synonymous with courage. Courage propels us forward. Trust, however, is a state of certainty. Many brave individuals lack trust because courage is akin to jumping into the unknown, while trust is moving forward with eyes wide open, aware of our steps.”
“Even without knowing how things will turn out?”
“Yes, because uncertainty is a constant. We can’t let superficial appearances deceive us. How often does a situation that seems promising end up disastrous, while another that appears bleak turns out wonderful?”
“Quite frequently!”
“Exactly! Disappointment stems from being misled by appearances. Thus, I say that to truly trust, one must trust in oneself, not merely in the situation, regardless of its outward form.”
“But that sounds impossible! How can someone trust themselves when we all have limitations?”
“Trust isn’t contingent upon our skills or shortcomings. Being confident means standing by ourselves. After all, it’s not the situation that harms us; it's our own perceptions.”
Chapter 1.2: The Role of Vanity in Self-Perception
“The situation itself is neutral, neither good nor bad; it simply exists. Consider someone who bravely applies for a job but faces rejection. The rejection is merely a fact—nothing more. Yet, the individual suffers because they tell themselves they are incapable, flawed, or will never succeed. This self-talk stems from vanity.”
Fear appeared puzzled. “What does vanity have to do with this?”
“Vanity involves crafting a false image for ourselves and others; it values appearances over authenticity. Consequently, when things don’t unfold as we wish, it bruises our vanity, which craves perfection. When we shed vanity, we shed fear. We no longer worry about others’ opinions and can accept ourselves as we are. If things don’t go as planned, we can still be kind to ourselves. Confident individuals reassure themselves after setbacks: 'It’s okay; I can still move forward; this doesn’t define me.' Only those who fearfully cling to an illusion suffer internally when faced with disappointment.”
“That means...”
“That means,” Trust asserted, “being confident is about being on our own side. It involves self-support regardless of the outcome. This way, we eliminate fear, as we stop criticizing ourselves and start cultivating the wisdom to discern areas for improvement. Remember, everything will work out in the end. Trust isn’t about guaranteeing favorable outcomes; it’s about knowing that, no matter what happens, we will always support ourselves.”
Fear’s demeanor shifted to sadness. “What troubles you?” Trust asked.
“It’s just that what you’ve shared makes me feel irrelevant and ineffective.”
“Don’t think that way. Thanks to you, humanity has survived and evolved. If fear didn’t exist, we’d be vulnerable to dangers and extinction. Your role is crucial. However, people must learn to harness you wisely. Fear is valuable when it serves as a signal, allowing us to use our intelligence to assess situations. Yet, it should never immobilize us.”
Fear’s spirits lifted as it realized that both it and Trust were essential forces in life, and only those who learned to wield both effectively could find true happiness. Together, they continued their timeless journey towards the infinite, within each being created by the Universe!
The first video titled "Fear: Friend, or Foe?" explores the complex relationship between fear and personal growth, encouraging viewers to rethink their perspectives on fear.
The second video, "Fear: Friend or Foe? How to Harness Its Power for Success," provides insights on utilizing fear as a tool for achieving success and personal development.
© 2024 Lost in My Soul
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