Facing Fears
Fear isn’t something that is inborn rather it is learnt through experience. Sigmund Freud, in his book ‘Studies in Hysteria’, would say that it is the startling experiences that we have in our childhood that get embed into our sub-conscious. Thus, when a similar situation arises, the experience in the sub-conscious is triggered. This, then, gives rise to fear. The external situations, by itself, do not cause fear, rather, it is our perception of the given situation that would or would not stimulate fear. And, thus we can say that it is we ourselves who put fear into ourselves. There are times when we feel that our fears are like an unconquerable mountain. But this is an illusion. In Joe Mannath’s book, ‘Happiness Right Now’ , he presents seven steps towards conquering fear. 1 Ask yourself what really is your fear. As you ponder on this question become aware of the thoughts going on in your mind 2. Question the irrational assu...