What would you do, or who would you become, if you had no fear?
There is an old teaching from the great African Savannahs (Run to the Roar: Coaching to overcome Fear, by Paul Assaiante and James Zug) which tells a story about facing fear. It helped me understand that while I ignore my fears or keep running from them, I will never feel safe or move forward.
The story begins with a herd of animals eating their way across the plains of Africa. The lions wait in the tall grass nearby, and anticipate the chance to prey upon the grazing animals.
The lions prepare by sending the oldest and weakest members of the pride away from the rest of the hunting pack. They were the ones that had lost much of their strength, and most of their teeth, but their roar was, by far, the loudest.
The old lions settled in the grass, directly across from where the strong and hungry lions waited and watched. The herd they preyed on entered the area between the hunting pack and the old lions.
The old ones roared mightily.
At the sound of the roar, the herd panicked. Blinded by fear, they turned and fled from the source of danger. They rushed wildly in the opposite direction, and ran to the place where the strongest lions were waiting, in the tall grass. Here they faced their death.
“Run towards the roar,” the elders would tell the young ones.
When we are blinded by our fear, we turn and flee towards the source of danger. Fear keeps us trapped and unable to live fully.
When I am caught in my fear, I am unable to see clearly. Fear creates panic and uncertainty. Facing my fears, and running towards them is not what I feel like doing when I am afraid, but is exactly what will destroy the illusion, and the power I believe fear has.
“Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.”
–Thich Nhat Hanh
You must do the thing, you think you cannot do…..”Run towards the Roar.”
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Reblogged this on Higher Density Blog.
Thankyou for sharing, I appreciate it.
Great advice Karen and maybe just take it day by day and be more strong by time. But face the fear first.
Yes it does take time Irene. One step towards our fear each day! Have a good weekend.
Wish you a good weekend too Karen 😀
Fear is a large part of many lives. If people just realized the positive value it brings to life (guidance). It only becomes harmful when it dictates the choices we make.
This article will likely relieve the weight on many shoulders by changing their views of FEAR.
Thankyou. My fears are my guide and always show me how I am preventing myself from moving forward. Facing them brings great freedom!
I think there is so much truth in this. I can relate. For example at one stage, after my divorce, I was petrified on my changed financial situation and I just avoided thinking about it. Yet it caused me much distress. Eventually I faced it and I made some changes which affected the outcome of my eventual financial position. It was only by facing the fear of it all that I was able to rectify the situation I was in. Thanks for sharing this insight.
This is a great example Elizabeth. Facing our fears always diminishes the power they have over us. You continue to move forward in so many ways, you should be very proud of yourself. 🙂
Such a good illustration Karen.
It is a wonderful story Don. Thankyou.
I am not sure what I need to run toward right now. Will have to think on this. But the advice, the story, is perfect.
It is a great story Emilie. Our fears come to teach us. 🙂
This is great! I love the lion story and the Thich Nhat Hanh quote, and of course your wise words. For me, I think, especially at a meeting or an uncomfortable situation with people who pust my fear buttons, I don’t run, but freeze. Must run toward roar. Wow. Nice.
Thanks Mary, it is a great story to share. It changed my view on fear and makes complete sense! Have a great weekend.
I put the things I fear the most on the top of my to-do list. That way they get done quicker and I don’t have to worry about them anymore Karen. Love this old African teaching. ❤
Diana xo
Great attitude Diana! This will serve you well. Thankyou. 🙂
Wise advise and so true. I’ve often found that fear diminishes and even disappears entirely when faced in the light of scrutiny.
So true Eliza. Fear has no power when we immerse it in light!
Wow!
What great advice.
Thanks for sharing this!
Have a great weekend 🙂
Thankyou! You too. 🙂
Thx
Wonderful story and lesson, Karen, and as a Leo it really resonates. 😀
Ah Lori, the Leo has some wonderful characteristics! Energetic, a natural leader, loyal and straightforward. I love the Lion too, we have a few Leo’s in my family and I really enjoy their company. Nurture those natural qualities in yourself and don’t let self-doubt shadow your amazing potential! Have a great weekend. 🙂
How kind you are, Karen, and so encouraging…thank you, truly….
Thankyou Lori. 🙂
What a great story, Karen! And a useful message to remember.
Thanks Helen, it is a wonderful message about fear. 🙂
Blogger Recognition Award Nomination
http://gentlementalannie.com/2015/08/09/blogger-recognition-award-and-brotherhood-of-the-world-award/
Annie 🙂
You are always so thoughtful Annie! Thankyou.
Hi,
You’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award.
Here is the link to the instructions should you choose to accept and participate.
http://moylomenterprises.com/2015/08/02/oscars-grammies-and-liebsters-part-3/
Best wishes,
A-
Thankyou so much. I will have a look. 🙂
This is a beautiful story and its powerful fear fighting message has indeed given me courage. Award-winning Blogger!
Thanks Katie! Award winning Editor! 🙂
Strolling through your blog this morning and each post touches my core. A little teary, but good tears. Run towards the roar…oh my…can I do that? Will I do it? I want to…
Im sending a big hug to you today. You are a special person Yvonne. You can do anything my friend. 🙂
A brilliant piece, and wise beyond price. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thankyou Mark, so nice to hear from you again. Have a great weekend. 🙂
You too 🙂
I love this post 🙂
Thanks Annie. It is a great story. 🙂