Is Fear Real?

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learn here.” Marianne Williamson

Do you have, or have you learned a FEAR?

How about a fear of flying?

Did you know that the #1 fear among millions of men and women is the Fear of Flying? (Based on the top 10 fear-related searches at search engines like Google). The other top nine fears were 2) Fear of Public Speaking; 3) Fear of Heights; 4) Fear of the Dark; 5) Fear of Intimacy; 6) Fear of Death; 7) Fear of Failure 8) Fear of Rejection; 9) Fear of Spiders; 10) Fear of Commitment (a guy thing).

Have you ever had a dream in which you were flying or floating? I mean, you, flying...without a plane? I have. When I was a young boy, I would often dream about flying like Peter Pan—just spread my arms and take flight. To be honest, those dreams were my favorite. I was never afraid and knew that it was completely safe. Within my lucid dreams I could will myself wherever I wished. I could escape a monster or swoop down and save someone from danger. Perhaps that is where my life-long passion for flying (in a plane) was born.

Next to my dreams of flying, the closest I have ever been to flying—without a plane—was when I parachuted from a perfectly good airplane. Yes, and not only once but five times. I will never forget that first time when I jumped out the door, swept away by the blast of wind. Wow! What a rush. As I tumbled through the air, I remember catching a glimpse of the plane above me growing smaller and smaller—flying away—as the sound of its engines faded and the silent rush of wind engulfed me. My next thought, I hope my chute opens. It did—all five times.

If we are honest with ourselves about our fears, we will agree that our fears are mostly a fabrication in our mind. I mean, really, is there any reason to fear the dark? And why do we fear death? What about those nasty creepy-crawlies or mean ol’ Daddy Longlegs? Come on men, commitment? Really? Think about all the things you are already committed to.

Regardless, fear is real and we are affected by it physiologically and emotionally. Fear is the main theme of “Flight into Darkness”.

When I mentioned earlier about flying without a plane...the guy in the following video is the Poster Boy. This is NOT a dream.

As you watch the video, I want you to imagine that you are this man and you are doing what he is doing. Try to get inside his head. The thought, alone, will scare you to death. How did this man overcome his fear...or did he? Listen to what he says about fear. Be sure and listen to what he says at the end of the video. Enjoy...