Journaling with Lesson 48
Simply said, the more you rely on the thinking mind and the conditional world, the more fearful these experiences will seem. Relying on weakness makes one weak. Focus on vulnerability and you relish in perceived threats and defenses. Seeing people, objects and circumstances through the lens of anxiety and need, reinforces these ideologies. Do you want to release yourself from fear? The only Way is not to make the conditional world your home. Yes, as long as body-time-self seems to be here, there will need to be a use of this time for general functionality. However, the ways in which you see, interpret and rely upon what you see remains a choice. A fearful belief is about seeing through that which is impermanent, which is contrary to Source. As the thinking mind judges a conditional world filled only with lack, loss and limitation the cycle of blame, shame and guilt continues. In this mindset is all vulnerability perceived. To step out of this mindset is merely to notice it. Ask yourself what are your goals. What idols do you keep? What necessities are chosen for self-definition? What excites you and depletes you? Where do you seek reward and then feel disappointment? Where do you perceive yourself with the thoughts you think? Can any of these thoughts and situations be reinterpreted? Fear is a choice. Yes, I agree that fear seems like a reaction, coming at you or to you from within the mind. However, once again, if not true for all, not True at all. This is why disciplining for willingness to See again is necessary. Many identities have brought their thinking minds to a state of Being where fear is not felt or shown on the surface. This does not mean that fear does not exist for these people in these circumstances. However, fear is noticed and placed in proper perspective. Then, with further willingness and Trust in Self over fear, a quiet answer is obtained. In a sense this practice is self-forgiveness. Fear is much more than a feeling or behavior. Fear is an assumption that Source Created weakness, impermanence and imperfection – all of which are not True. To see through the eyes of fear is to make the same mad choice, doubting Self-Same-Source and Source repeatedly. Therefore, one self-inquiry that can help right the path is simply breathing and asking, “ Who Am I?” then repeat. Do your best to focus and settle beyond the wandering thinking mind. Choose to See beyond the temptation towards fear.