I am afraid. I’m afraid of covid-19. I’m afraid of the flu. I’m afraid of someone crossing that yellow line. I’m afraid of ice that cracks. I’m afraid of airplanes that crash. I’m afraid of mass shooters. I’m afraid of power tools and I’m afraid of fires. I’m afraid of water, sometimes. I’m afraid of hunger. I’m afraid of misunderstanding. I’m afraid of anything that might create separation ( especially life and death separation)between me and my children, husband, family, community and work. But, I don’t live in fear- I live in love.
My life of love facilitates fears- they remind me of the miraculous sanctity of life. They foster respect and honor the place of dangers. I cannot love or respect something if I do not honor its Truth. This world is a place that provides one way in and an infinite number of ways out. I snuggle up to my fears, and get to know them well, because they are just tender reminders of what I cherish.
(Persist as Love is one of my favorite of Paul’s mantras/talks and especially appropriate right now. You can find the recording from The Whole Health Center here )