Fear is a powerful word and in some cases, considered to be the basis of all emotions. Whether this is true or not we’ll leave up to psychologists, but I can certainly see both sides of the argument. That said, why is fear so strong? It can completely stop even the most determined of people. It can make us hesitant to accomplish greater things. It can make us do things we wouldn’t normally do and regret them later. It can control us.
Fear is not necessarily a bad thing though. Fear can also teach you. It can show you that you need to think before you do something. It can show you that you need to make a decision for yourself. It can teach you to rise above yourself, even for a moment.
As martial artists we face fear all the time. Whether it is because of an upcoming test or tournament, or because we are about to get into a fight. When fear tries to take hold, embrace it. Don’t fight it. Work with it. Breathe. Allow it to show you what it needs to and make a decision. Do what you need to do. One of my favorite quotes about fear comes from a book you may have heard of, Dune, by Frank Herbert.
“I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
Fear can control you, if you let it. Allow tour mind to work with it. It is okay to be afraid, it’s what you do about it that matters. Until next time, train hard.
Head Instructor Shawn Morris