The Wrath of Fear

Ani Pema Chodron is well known for her down to earth interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism to Westerners. She is the resident teacher at Gampo Abbey, a Tibetan Monastery for Westerners and she has authored several books. The following is a small spark from "When Things Fall Apart"...

"Once there was a young warrior. Her teacher told her that she had to do battle with fear. She didn’t want to do that. It seemed too aggressive; it was scary; it seemed unfriendly. But the teacher said she had to do it and gave her instructions for the battle.

The day arrived. The student warrior stood on one side, and fear stood on the other. The warrior was feeling very small, and fear was looking big and wrathful. They both had their weapons. The young warrior roused herself and went to fear, prostrated three times, and asked: “May I have permission to go into battle with you?” Fear said: “Thank you for showing me so much respect that you ask permission. “Then the young warrior said: “How can I defeat you?”

Fear replied: “My weapons are that I talk fast, and I get very close to your face. Then you get completely unnerved, and you do whatever I say. If you don’t do what I tell you, I have no power. You can listen to me, and you can have respect for me. You can even be convinced by me. But if you don’t do what I say, I have no power.”

In that way, the student warrior learned how to defeat fear. "

I'll remember this simple lesson to listen and respect my own fears, but I will not allow fear to guide me. Fear likes apathy. Apathy does not allow me to grow.

On the personal level:
Tonight is the fundraiser for the Blondes vs. Brunettes charity football game that is coming up on May 16th. I'm really excited for the game. I've changed my workouts and frame of mind for the last 2 weeks in preparation! We'll be making a positive impact for Alzheimers research (looking to raise $50k) and putting on a good show for the guests. I feel confident that the blondes are gonna get the big win because as a blondie, I can tell you, that we just have more fun! ; )