Musings on fear

[Michael Larkin]

Premise: fear can only exist where there is vulnerability.

Hmm. Some things are definitely vulnerable - such as the body. The mind, too.

Still, we can in some circumstances ignore these seemingly legitimate causes for fear. For example, when protecting the life of a loved one.

Is there any aspect of us that is invulnerable and therefore fearless?

One can believe there is, but is that wishful thinking? Who knows...

Let's assume that there isn't anything that's invulnerable in us. If so, then we can, and will, lose everything.

But hang on. If we will lose everything, nothing means anything and so why be afraid of losing it?

So actually, fear only seems legitimate if there is something that can't be lost, and moreover, that fear can't be for the body or the mind, because as we know, they can both be lost.

So the only thing that's worth being fearful about is whatever can't be lost.

But hang on. If it can't be lost, it's invulnerable, and so why be afraid?

It seems that in any event whatsoever, there is no point being afraid. The original premise was wrong; fear has nothing to do with vulnerability, or for that matter, lack of it.

So what is fear and where does it come from? What conceivable use is it?

[Kareana Kee]

Ok I will give this a go :)

For some reason we human being's were designed to be born as helpless, vulnerable beings that depended on forming attachments in order to survive in the material world. Parodoxically we were also created with a will to live, which is kind of humurous when you think from the moment we are born we are also approaching our death! Fear has to be related to this will to live and to survive. It appears to be hardwired into our instincts ie the flight and fight response. Of course this relates mostly to our animal nature.... and as we move past childhood, much of the attachments to pleasure and fear of pain that were maybe important in our development become obstacles in our maturation, spiritual growth and experiencing our true being, cumulating in our ultimate return to that Oneness.

So my hypothesis is that fear does in fact serve some purpose, the opposite or outcome of a fear of death would be to live?