Fear is a normal emotion, but it can spiral out of control into anxiety. Suddenly that fear instinct seems to overwhelm us and we feel that fear response constantly or all of the time. The Buddha address fear with the Metta Sutta, and using the mind to focus on positive things.
By Daniel Scharpenburg
Fear. We all feel it.
Fear of heights, fear of small spaces, fear of getting up in front of an audience and speaking, fear of telling someone how you feel.
Fear is a normal emotion, but it can spiral out of control into anxiety. Suddenly that fear instinct seems to overwhelm us and we feel that fear response constantly or all of the time. The Buddha address fear with the Metta Sutta, and using the mind to focus on positive things.
In this talk I tell a story about some monks who were afraid of ghosts in the woods. They went to the Buddha to ask what they should do and he suggested reflecting on kindness as an antidote to fear.
The amazing thing about the Metta Sutta is that it not only distracts our minds, but it also helps us be a better person overall. Interested?
Have a listen:
Photo: Pixabay
Editor: Dana Gornall
Were you inspired by this post? You might also like:
Comments
He specializes in bringing meditation practice and Buddhism to people in a practical way that applies to real life.
Find out more about Daniel here and connect with him on Facebook
- Review of The Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk’s Guide to Finding Freedom in Every Challenge {Book Review} - August 23, 2022
- The Path to Peace: A Buddhist Guide to Cultivating Loving Kindness by Ayya Khema {Book Review} - July 21, 2022
- That is Not Your Mind! Zen Reflections on the Surangama Sutra {Book Review} - July 16, 2022
