As a frightened man in a burning boat has only one way to the rest of his life

“As a frightened man in a burning boat has only one way to the rest of his life, we must move with courage through the wall of flame into the greater sea.”

Mark Nepo, poet and spiritual adviser

Image from Unsplash by dan carlson

Where and when in your life did you last demonstrate significant courage? What are some examples of facing your fears and jumping into an unsettled sea?

Today’s quote does not suggest we risk life and limb as proof of courage, but does  suggest that we should welcome the heat, and test the waters of our days more often.

What are some current situations in which you are experiencing the flames of fears?

When in the past did you step through such flames, standing taller on the other side?

EXERCISE:

To what degree is your current level of courage putting you on a course to fulfill the vision you have for your life?

When can and will you step up and over the edge of your fears to realize far more of your potential?

 

Our minds put limits on what we can and will do

Our minds put limits on what we can and will do. Acknowledge these inner voices and do these things anyway.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Nadine Shaabana

A colleague once told me that in almost all situations what stops us in life is stopping.

Before our bodies stop moving, however, comes a warning message from our brain. It warns us to stop for various reasons that can often be refuted upon a more objective review.

When was the last time your mind told you to slam on the brakes?

How valid were your reasons for stopping?

What was gained—or perhaps more importantly—what was lost by not proceeding in your efforts?

EXERCISE:

Where has F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) stopped you recently?

How can you courageously override some of these signals and give things a go when life and limb aren’t on the line?

Friday Review: Fear

Friday Review: Fear

How often do you let fear stop you from achieving your goal? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”

 

 

 

“Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.”

 

 

 

“Present fears are less than horrible imaginings.”

 

 

 

 

We can choose to be courageous whether we are ready or not

We can choose to be courageous whether we are ready or not.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Freeclassicimages.com

Today’s thought reminds me of Hugh Laurie’s quote, “There is no such thing as ready. There is only now.”

How much of the time do you find yourself in a state of preparation before you shoot, ship, or act? When we wait to actually feel ready and 100% confident on our success, we are probably too late.

We recently saw and enjoyed the new Elvis movie. I was surprised to learn about how nervous and fearful Elvis was before getting on stage to shake things up in his unique and controversial style.

EXERCISE:

In what parts of your life are you waiting to be ready?

Where is it time to shake things up?

How would choosing to be more courageous help you realize more of your full potential?

It may be Now or Never.

“Both faith and fear may sail into your harbor. But allow only faith to drop anchor.”

“Both faith and fear may sail into your harbor. But allow only faith to drop anchor.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Matthew Wheeler

When was the last time you went boating?

What is it like to watch the comings and goings of vessels as they enter and leave their assigned marina slips?

What is a typical speed during these maneuvers? What happens to the boats and the passengers when someone exceeds the limit?

EXERCISE:

To what degree are you experiencing the wake and excessive wave action of fear in your life and in your communities?

Where would the slow, stabilizing attribute of greater faith calm the seas of this world and make for safer harbors?

Friday Review: Fear

FRIDAY REVIEW: FEAR

How often do you let fear stop you from achieving your goal? Here are a few fear-related posts you may have missed. Happy Halloween!

 

“Do one thing each day that scares you.”

 

 

 

 

“Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.”

 

 

 

 

“If it scares you, it may be a good thing to try.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

—George Addair, Late Founder of The Omega Vector

Image from Unsplash by Benjamin Davies

When have you faced your fears recently?

When have you faced a particular fear in the past?

What results did you produce, and how did getting to the other side feel?

What frightens you these days? Dig below your surface answers and keep asking yourself what else? What else?

How does this fear show up in your body and mind? Take note of these thoughts and feelings, because they are clues where you can summon the courage to break through these barriers in the future.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you take on a few of your smaller fears today?

Where can you summon the support of others in your personal and professional communities to take on a few of the bigger ones?

What is there to gain on the other side?

 

“Present fears are less than horrible imaginings.”

“Present fears are less than horrible imaginings.”

—William Shakespeare, MacBeth, Act 1, Scene 3

Image from NoSweatShakespeare.com

William Shakespeare’s plays, poems, and sonnets have taught the world many life lessons that are still relevant today.

Through his works, he taught that love can conquer and destroy, that people trust what they cannot see, and that human ethics are easily manipulated.

In addition to the subject of love in his numerous works, he frequently included other common characteristics of society including greed, ambition, and the focus on power.

How would you imagine Shakespeare might view our current society, given that he lived during challenging times between 1564 and 1616 in England?

EXERCISE:

What are your thoughts and feelings about your own present fears versus your own imaginings?

Consider checking out the website NoSweatShakespeare.com to explore in greater depth his significant influences on our world.

Friday Review: Fear

FRIDAY REVIEW: FEAR

How often do you let fear stop you from achieving your goal? Here are a few fear-related posts you may have missed.

 

“Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.”

 

 

 

“There are plenty of obstacles in your path. Don’t allow yourself to become one of them.”

 

 

 

“What is the cost of getting it wrong? What are the payoffs of getting it right?”