I read Chapter 19 out of order, which feels appropriate because fear rarely shows up in order either. The line that stayed with me wasn’t dramatic. It was clinical.
Fear paralyzes the nerve center and affects circulation. In other words, fear isn’t just a mood – it’s a physical event.
I’ve felt that. Tight chest, shallow breath, racing thoughts that pretend to be preparation. What struck me most is the idea that truth isn’t found through emotional reaction.
It’s found through a systematic, logical process. That means I don’t have to wrestle fear. I don’t have to over power it. I can examine it. If fear is a thought, it can be redirected.
Lately, I’ve noticed that the more I slow down and looks at facts instead of feelings, the less dramatic everything becomes. the next step usually isn’t heroic. It’s practical. Fear Shouts. Truth is structured. This week I am choosing structure.
Love this perspective, Todd! ❤️ The realization that fear is a physical event makes it easier to pause and examine instead of react. Well said!
Hey Todd, that’s a powerful demonstration! I wonder if you realized that the exact same demonstration holds for what we all try to do in MKE: setting up a DMP is a very structured activity; and adding positive feelings to it and reading it with enthousiasm is to rely on the power of feelings! That said, congratulations for overcoming your fears, this is a big achievement in itself that surpasses everything else!
Good one, Todd! Anyone who has had a panic attack would agree that fear is a physical event, whether the source is real or imagined. Lucky us, we can choose our response!