“Fear builds walls”
“Fear” and then… “Builds Walls” was projected on the wall at the Rogers Waters performance of The Wall at the Tacoma Dome Saturday night. The Wall was initially performed by Pink Floyd over thirty years ago in Los Angeles. The show was outstanding- see it if at all possible (link to remaining shows).
“Fear builds walls” stuck with me as I drove back from Seattle on Sunday. Whenever we fear something and empower that fear by not challenging it, it inevitably walls something off.
Once you allow a fear to take hold, there is a natural tendency to create a wall between you and that experience, person, or aspect of life. It seems harmless, “I will just avoid that issue, that person, that situation.” We may throw some righteous anger in for good measure. But now we have sacrificed some connection to the world. We have limited ourselves. And what happens if we allow numerous fears to build up? I have seen it get to the point where people are totally paralyzed.
So what is the solution? Do not empower your fear. When you feel yourself becoming afraid or backing away from something, challenge it. Force yourself to confront it. Doing this “takes the teeth out” of the fear. You maintain connection with all the aspects of life associated with that experience.
When I asked Bart Anderson, spiritual teacher, why he challenged a set-back that he just had, he said, “Well, I was not about to let it kick my ass.” He wanted to make sure there was nothing left behind that would cause him to back away from that aspect of life next time it came around- no karma or unfinished business.
Do not let fear beat you. As Roger Waters vividly pointed out Saturday night, if you allow fear, it will come back to haunt you. It will cause destruction, inhibition, and oppression- in you, those around you, and in the world.
Because… “All and all, (each fear) is just another brick in the wall.”
About author:
Michael Hoffman’s passion is guiding people to connect with their natural gifts. He believes that we all have innate gifts that hugely benefit others and the world when we offer them. The purest example of these gifts is the Native American concept of medicine or the gift you offer your people. Michael defines your medicine or gift as the natural effect you have on other people when your heart is open. Unfortunately, the demands of our current culture to comply and fit in often distract people away from their inherent gifts and the natural expression of their being. Michael believes many of us have forgotten our dreams and what we are about. This sadly results in a loss of purpose, passion, and vitality. As an innate gift specialist, Michael offers retreats, classes, and individual sessions to allow people to reclaim their natural gifts. These venues allow people to identify, awaken, and offer their gifts. This experiential work incorporates Zen thought, Native American ceremony, rites-of-passage, and releasing limiting belief systems. Michael also maintains his meta blog to provide knowledge, skills, and awareness for unfolding your natural gifts. He is currently compiling this knowledge and research into a college class and book. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987 and Master of Social Work in 1996. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to his formal education, Michael studied and apprenticed with a Zen Master and spiritual teacher for 22 years to learn how to guide people to understand themselves. He has worked with people professionally since 1986 as a psychotherapist and teacher. Michael currently resides in Oceanside, California.
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2 Responses to ““Fear builds walls””
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Another great post! Thx, Michael!
Thanks for your comment Eve. You and John should have come with to research this blog.