Can Fear Be a Teacher?

Fear is sometimes described as “false evidence appearing real.” Most of us have heard well-known quotes like “There is nothing to fear but fear itself” by Franklin D. Roosevelt or “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear” by Nelson Mandela. Yet it’s important to understand the value of fear, not just conquer it.

Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It’s instinctual and it’s programmed into the nervous system. From an evolutionary standpoint, fear protected us from predators and other dangers. In today’s world, fear can be a profound teacher that reveals deep insights about us.

The Role of Fear in Self-Discovery and Growth

Our fears reflect what we value most. For example, fear of failure can reveal how important success is to us and motivate us to take action. When we are fearful for an aging parent or a sick child, we remember how important our loved ones are to us.

Fear can also push us to step out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves. As a writer, I have been afraid of rejection and criticism more times than I can count. Many times, fearing the opinions of literary agents, other authors, and readers has almost prevented me from sharing my work.

When I had these fears, I remembered my favorite books and their authors who had to overcome this fear before me. I wondered how my life might be different if those authors had been too afraid to share their stories. Maybe the story I was afraid to share might someday be important to someone. Once I was able to overcome my fears and write anyway, I discovered I was stronger than I thought.

Fear is not just an emotion to conquer but a profound teacher that reveals our deepest values and motivates us to take action.

How to Embrace Fear as a Teacher

When we look at fear and see what it is trying to tell us, fear can become a stepping stone to our goals.

Here are a few strategies:

• Clouds Drifting By—See intrusive, fearful thoughts as clouds drifting by. Acknowledge and look at them but don’t identify with them. Understand that fear is a human emotion. When you can connect with your divine nature, you’ll see that on a deeper level there is nothing to fear.
• Mindfulness and Presence—When I lie awake at night fearing the future, it helps to focus on the present moment—the feel of the sheets on my skin, the softness of the pillows under my head, the comfort of the mattress under my body. Is what I fear happening in the present moment? Probably not.
• Reflective Journaling—Pick up a notebook and write about what you are afraid of. The more you write, you may discover the actual, deeper fears. Ask what they could be teaching you. Could they lead to self-discovery? Can you see these fears as an opportunity?
• Maintain a Spiritual Practice—Rather than waiting until you feel afraid, build your courage and resilience with daily spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer. For suggestions, see the free Unity booklet 30 Days to Fearless Living.

It should be noted that I am talking about rational fears we all experience. Irrational fears, known as phobias, can interfere with a person’s ability to live their life. If you are experiencing a phobia, please speak to a psychologist, physician, or other healthcare professional about coping strategies.

Ultimately, the goal is not to let fear prevent you from being your authentic self and sharing your gifts with the world. It’s easier to overcome fear when you can understand it and embrace it for what it teaches you. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your path, and don’t worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest. Always do what you are afraid to do.”