More Light on Fear

Several readers shared resources they've found on Fear, and given the intensity of what many of us are experiencing, I'm passing these on to you. In a follow-up to his first article on The Palin Effect, Deepak Chopra clarifies his thinking on fear and the collective shadow in The Palin Effect, Part 2. The shadow knows no party lines, and the explosion (Uranus) of emotion (Pisces) we're seeing, is likely just a sample of things to come. As the awakener (of deep emotion) begins to engage with Saturn, it's a good time to find new ways to deal with the coming feelings tsunami. By its nature, Uranian energy is unpredictable and stuns us, but it may be possible to meet emotional chaos by focusing on small, sensible, healing actions (Saturn in Virgo). A daily catharsis like yoga or some other way to wring out the drama, wouldn't hurt either.

At an Obama house party a few months ago, I saw a glimpse of the emotional intensity that's been kept locked in the national basement. Just yesterday, a usually cool friend said she hates Sarah Palin. For many Dems, she's an Aquarian lightning rod for pent-up anger and fear, courtesy of the shadow. We all probably need a lot of primal scream therapy. And those shrewd political operatives know how to play on voter's raw emotions. That's why Chopra's strategies are useful in starting to deal with our conflicting emotions, regardless of your party affiliation.

Another reader sent an inspiring interview with Guy Finley, author of a new book called, Essential Laws of Fearless Living. His message is simple, but profound, and it's timely for Americans, since let's face it, the country we knew is gone. We have no public keening rituals, so each person has been dealing with the losses privately, and that adds to the sense of grief. Finley says fear comes from the loss of what we're identified with, which leaves a scary void of not knowing who we are. I've discovered that God never takes anything from a human being, with which it isn't replaced by something greater than what's taken. What Finley offers is a fresh take on Life itself, that each moment is revealing something about ourselves. When we react to that fear, it becomes a willful beast that's acting on a darkened state of mind. But by observing these fears, without judgement, they can be transformed. And through that practice, you become a participant in creation, in each moment.

Many thanks to Chaeli and Jamie for these contributions.