How To Overcome Fear, by Q. Reyes – Artistic Warfare #23

May 24, 2009 Q. Reyes 2 Comments

Fear is the number one reason most people make or don’t make decisions. It rules over emotions as the master of illusion. Fear is a natural part of survival, but it could be a hindering force when it comes to living life.

Fear begets phobias, and phobias beget dysfunction; and, operating under a dysfunctional premise is unlikely to yield positive results. To get rid of fear, however, also means getting rid of over-confidence. Over-confidence is the overcompensation resulting from the attempt at avoidance of fear, and both are caused by uncertainty.

We must get rid of fear, over-confidence and all that comes with them. The only way to get rid of fear or over-confidence is to be certain. Being certain means having absolutely no doubt of the present moment. The future brings uncertainty and the past brings about doubt, so the only remaining territory is the present.

We can’t be present when we constantly wonder into the past and future. Being present means allowing yourself to accept whatever it’s going on right now. Recognize whatever is happening at this moment, not before or after. Avoid saying, “I did” or “I will” and replace those words with “I am”.

It seems like a simple concept, yet it is complex in its nature. When we are born we are perfect, and we only live in the moment. As we age we tend to look into the future and can’t hardly wait until it gets here. When we get older than that, we start looking into the past and we wish we could get more time. The truth is that we must accept where we are right now. No amount of desire will bring us the future quicker or slow down the past.

Fear also gives way to worries. Worrying is counter-productive to a solution, since it only allows you to focus on the negative factors related to your present situation. A solution is to replace worry with action. Action allows us to feel the control of the present moment, which is control we have at all times. Realizing that right now will always be right now opens our minds to the possibility of a solution, and only to further realize that the solution is the realization that a problem wasn’t a problem to begin with.

In our vocabulary we use the word “problem” to describe unwelcomed changes. Using the word changes instead of problem, automatically resolves the problem. The freedom we gain by changing the way we look at our present moment is instant and permanent. Dwelling in the future and past does not allow the change to take its course, therefore maximizing our fears.

Q. is an American Idol and is revered by some of the greatest people of all time. Q. also enjoys long walks on the beach, horseback riding and yelling at the TV during The Price is Right. Q. can also be found on the internet by goggling for “Ay, Papi!”