Fear - A Tantrik Perspective

As we move into the second lockdown in Victoria, I'm having a lot of conversations about fear, and I imagine you are too. I wanted to offer a Tantrik perspective...

Tantra invites seekers into the heart, to embrace all of life - the joy & the suffering, and every emotional state that arises - including fear, anger, rage, disappointment, pride etc. There is nothing that is rejected, denied or exiled from your experience, instead we practice consciousness within the present moment, and see emotions as vibrating entrance points to growth. Tantrikas practice to never bypass fear, and the rising blockages of the ego that might suggest we are above, or “too good” for it. The invitation is always to navigate the fear with kindness, curiosity and patience, letting this potent energy-in-motion (e-motion) lead us to truly know the depths of our courage.  A Tantrika bows to the fear as it presents, blessing it, embracing it, and always asking that the truth may be revealed. 

Fear goes hand in  hand with anxiety and worry, and together they take up a great amount of energy when left to stagnate without the courage and light of consciousness. The practice is always to allow fear to guide you to the power of the heart, and to always progress at your own pace, increasing with courage through commitment to practice. With time and dedication, we learn to turn to your fear and get to know it, and stop shaming ourselves for experiencing fear at all - it's natural. 

The practice becomes noticing when fear is taking over your mind, spinning stories, and getting caught in a loop. At the moment you can catch it, come back  to your breath, get into your body - perhaps with a movement or a sound, and bear witness to what is happening in your body. 

Remember the sacred teaching:

The  cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. 

Fear is absolutely a natural part of being human, and belongs to the ancient part of the brain that is interested in survival. The word courage comes from the French cour (heart) rage (rage), and in itself invites a Tantrik perspective to enter our emotions, as well as the heart itself. We have all experienced how courage grows when we are willing to face our fears. Every hero and heroine encounters their greatest fears in their soul's alchemical journey. As Tantrikas, we practice celebrating each victory along the way, never giving up, and, always remembering that the power of the heart is way beyond the limitations of the mind.