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
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He has taught at One Mind Zen Hermitage, The Open Heart Project, and the Rime Center Buddhist Community.
In his day job he's a union labor activist.
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
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