Primal Primer 7 (Mentality)
The human fear response is the result of millions of years of evolution, designed to enhance survival in threatening situations. This response involves a complex interplay of the brain, nervous system, and body, orchestrating a series of physiological and psychological changes. Broadly speaking, flight or fight instincts rapidly prepare the body for action in response to dangers both real and imagined.
Fight & Flight Interface
- Endocrine Accelerant: Adrenaline floods the bloodstream, increasing blood pressure and respiration.
- Energy Redistribution: Blood is redirected from non-essential processes (i.e., digestion) to muscles and vital organs for physical exertion.
- Sharpened Senses: Pupils dilate to improve vision, making our senses more acute for better detection of environmental cues.
In today’s world, fear is often manufactured rather than instinctual. Unlike in ancient civilizations, where fear served as a necessary survival mechanism, modern advertisers and news outlets exploit this primitive instinct, bombarding us with fear-oriented media that compels our actions and fosters reliance on information, materialistic purchasing, and relationships with organizations or individuals who may not have our best interests at heart. Most of what we fear and suffer from mentally is likely false, distracting us from self-empowerment and our highest potential.
These anticipatory fears trigger physiological responses, causing our brains to prioritize safety and overreact instead of preparing efficiently. With our advanced cortex, we can model contingencies even in the absence of real threats, a phenomenon known as worrying. By creating disposable avatars of ourselves, we sacrifice countless versions of who we could be, imagining dangerous situations and developing strategies, which unfortunately often conflicts with the reality of our modern world.
Weaponize Your Fears
Behind every fear lies the person you aspire to be. Hope is not a strategy, so don’t simply wish you can avoid fear and scary circumstances. You will likely generate fears and worries that are not objectively rational. Instead, identify these fears and intentionally explore the often dark and deep forests of your discomfort. Train yourself to become comfortable with what is inherently and, at times, unreasonably uncomfortable. Seeking out your fears on your terms allows you to bring these anxieties into the light for examination; the world always appears less intimidating at dawn.
~Cave Implementation~
Recognizing fear is essential, but it’s equally important not to let it dictate your actions or Inner Dialogue. Begin by acknowledging your fears without judgment. Take inventory of what you fear and assess how these fears impact your decisions. Ask yourself: Are these fears preventing you from taking action or achieving your goals?
Create an exposure plan that allows you to gradually confront your fears, transforming them into opportunities for growth. Instead of avoiding discomfort, lean into it intentionally, using it as a catalyst for self-discovery. Consider practicing mindfulness techniques to reshape your inner dialogue, replacing fearful thoughts with affirmations of strength and capability.
Remember, while fear is a natural response, it should not control your life. Embrace a proactive approach to fear—recognize it, analyze it, and then take deliberate action toward your goals. By mastering your relationship with fear, you can redirect its energy into positive outcomes and self-empowerment.
“While fear is a natural response, it should not control your life; recognize it, analyze it, and transform it into a catalyst for self-discovery.”
