This is excellent. The distinction between actionable fear and ambient fear is something more people need to understand. From a physiological standpoint, this is a classic evolutionary mismatch. The threat system was built for immediate, local danger that requires action. It assumes activation will be followed by movement. When there is no action, the system stays on.
That state is metabolically expensive. Sustained sympathetic activation without resolution becomes wear and tear. Over time it shifts toward chronic hyperarousal or helplessness, neither of which is adaptive. Fear literacy may be one of the most important modern skills. Knowing when to mobilize and when to disengage protects both clarity and health.
Thank you for this. As a psychologist I’m concerned about how many people are in constant states of unnecessary fear, which leads to people acting in ways that aren’t rational, in many ways as we’re seeing play out in our communities. But I think the distinction you made between this artificial fear and listening to our instincts about real fear is so important. Well said, as usual.
I remember that woman at the Stop It Summit. She was trying so hard to convince herself that she shouldn't be afraid. You named the obvious protective action that she was trying so hard not to see.
On the same call, you gave me a strategy to stop the habit of overthinking small decisions. That strategy worked for me exactly as you predicted.
I was reminded that a few years ago I had almost the same conversation with another woman, but in her case, the fear was unfounded, and she was trapped by it. Such a good lesson to avoid one-size-fits-all coaching strategies.
By the way, that woman had such a breakthrough that she traveled, had her first romantic relationship in decades, and upgraded her life dramatically. In her 70's.
Later, when she passed in her sleep, her family expressed their gratitude that she was able to live the last part of her life free.
I am dyslexic and very rarely read physical text. Today I read your entire post. It’s exactly what I needed to hear. It what I needed yo finally take a deep breath and get perspective. I have great respect for the way you show up and passion and kindness. Please never stop sharing your insights.
I observe, not absorb. It’s a practice. Lately, I watch my breath. Breathe in with my belly rising first, then chest. Thinking “Thy Will.” Then, exhale from the chest first before emptying from the belly. Thinking “My Will.”
Overall, I believe and feel into the statement, “I am enveloped by Omniscience.”
This keeps me balancing; finding my own level as water, no matter what is coming at me. OM ❤️🙏💙
I was on a mastermind call last week when a lady asked the question about the war in Iran, how did we feel about it? She said she was scared. I told her I'm only scared of things I have control over, my circle of control. I said I didn't watch the news. She said she was in Dubai and couldn't leave as she had animals that she had to take care of. Put my life into perspective, the war in Iran felt a little closer, and I felt scared for her and her animals.
Love it Eric! If it's close, real, and actionable then act.
I gave up really paying attention to the news over 10 years ago because I felt all they were doing was selling bad news and a depressing world.
This is excellent. The distinction between actionable fear and ambient fear is something more people need to understand. From a physiological standpoint, this is a classic evolutionary mismatch. The threat system was built for immediate, local danger that requires action. It assumes activation will be followed by movement. When there is no action, the system stays on.
That state is metabolically expensive. Sustained sympathetic activation without resolution becomes wear and tear. Over time it shifts toward chronic hyperarousal or helplessness, neither of which is adaptive. Fear literacy may be one of the most important modern skills. Knowing when to mobilize and when to disengage protects both clarity and health.
And it suppresses immune function for a variety of reasons.
You are right, this is one of the most important conversations in the world right now.
Thank you for this. As a psychologist I’m concerned about how many people are in constant states of unnecessary fear, which leads to people acting in ways that aren’t rational, in many ways as we’re seeing play out in our communities. But I think the distinction you made between this artificial fear and listening to our instincts about real fear is so important. Well said, as usual.
Thanks! It is true; our fear-personalities serve a purpose, but they are not a good mode for everyday life. Great to have you here.
I remember that woman at the Stop It Summit. She was trying so hard to convince herself that she shouldn't be afraid. You named the obvious protective action that she was trying so hard not to see.
On the same call, you gave me a strategy to stop the habit of overthinking small decisions. That strategy worked for me exactly as you predicted.
I was reminded that a few years ago I had almost the same conversation with another woman, but in her case, the fear was unfounded, and she was trapped by it. Such a good lesson to avoid one-size-fits-all coaching strategies.
By the way, that woman had such a breakthrough that she traveled, had her first romantic relationship in decades, and upgraded her life dramatically. In her 70's.
Later, when she passed in her sleep, her family expressed their gratitude that she was able to live the last part of her life free.
I am dyslexic and very rarely read physical text. Today I read your entire post. It’s exactly what I needed to hear. It what I needed yo finally take a deep breath and get perspective. I have great respect for the way you show up and passion and kindness. Please never stop sharing your insights.
Thank you Evie; I am dyslexic too.. so I really hear you.
I observe, not absorb. It’s a practice. Lately, I watch my breath. Breathe in with my belly rising first, then chest. Thinking “Thy Will.” Then, exhale from the chest first before emptying from the belly. Thinking “My Will.”
Overall, I believe and feel into the statement, “I am enveloped by Omniscience.”
This keeps me balancing; finding my own level as water, no matter what is coming at me. OM ❤️🙏💙
I was on a mastermind call last week when a lady asked the question about the war in Iran, how did we feel about it? She said she was scared. I told her I'm only scared of things I have control over, my circle of control. I said I didn't watch the news. She said she was in Dubai and couldn't leave as she had animals that she had to take care of. Put my life into perspective, the war in Iran felt a little closer, and I felt scared for her and her animals.