We like to think of ourselves as brave. We are, but fear can be subtle and grow over time without us being aware of it. It can sneak into our lives and cause us to say, think, or do something we wouldn’t usually consider, leaving us in a position where we are totally confused and unable to understand how we got to where we are.

Fear can drive us in ways and directions we can’t anticipate, putting us in situations where we might end up digging ourselves into a hole, ultimately leading to something even worse. It can lead us to behave out of character, such as lying, deception, and even theft. It can cause us to disappoint ourselves and the people we love. If we allow it to, fear can cause us to do things that are so far away from the moral compass we live by.

How is fear so powerful, and what do we do about it?

Part of it is biology. Fear is one of our primary emotions. Those who had a healthy sense of it were able to stay ahead of whatever was chasing them. The rest of it is likely to be learned behavior through culture and society. Fear makes people feel isolated and alone. They see all others as threats. We see instances of people acting and reacting from a state of fear every day. The actions of others can cause fear to ripple into the world around them. It’s why when one person is fearful, like all strong emotions, that fear can spread.

We need to take a breath and remember that we can’t control what others do, but we have absolute control over what we do. We have evolved past the need to fear everything. You wouldn’t think so, watching the news, but metaphysicians understand that there is more to life than what we see in the headlines. There is a greater understanding, a higher vibration, and we can access it at any time.

We can tap into universal love whenever we want and use that energy to bring us clarity and insight. It can help us decide what our next steps look like. What our options are and what will be best for us in the long run. We can use it to take the time to think about what is the best way to handle things. To achieve what we need without hurting others, to create an environment of safety and security in the face of uncertainty. While we know that anything could happen, it doesn’t mean it will. If it does, we can handle whatever comes.

Many things make fear powerless: love, kindness, and thoughtfulness. A position of well-thought-out action instead of blind reaction. Having plans and being prepared to do them. Recognizing positive opportunities and options that present themselves. Engaging with our communities. Being humble enough to ask for assistance, as well as being ready to give assistance when someone asks for it. The greatest thing that helps dispel fear is knowing that you are not alone, that no matter what, we are all in this together.

As I write this, I feel the pressure of the uncertainty that we all feel on some level. This is a reminder to focus your energy on the things that really matter to you. For me, that is my health, my family, and my friends. It’s important to me to connect with them, to make them laugh, and keep our connection alive. I do this to remind us all that we are loved, and that is my plan to make fear powerless.