Fears

-- from Rama's tapes

"The student of enlightenment, the student of life who wishes to be happy has to take on their fears one by one and overcome all of them. Make a top ten list of fears and rank them."

Rama

I was given an opportunity to face my number one fear. I got to worry and panic and get sick about this fear. I got to struggle with the desire to flee, to run away, so that I would not have to tackle this fear.

The opportunity was served over email. It was an invitation to speak at Rama's birthday celebration, to a reasonably large audience. The seating capacity was 150.

I would love to tell you that my ego is so thinly polished that I looked at the fear only briefly, and then focused on the true gift, sitting and sharing dharma talks with fellow students. That would be a lie.

I decided, however, that I would face this fear. First, I said "YES!" I accepted the speaking spot at the celebration. Then I took action. I knew there were techniques available to help me overcome this and other fears. I enrolled in an empowerment program, that is helping me overcome fear, and other obstacles to freedom.

I remember Ram Dass saying at a lecture something like this. I have been working on my self for over 25 years, and I still have all of the same neuroses I started out with. Only now, they don't have any power over me. I just look at them, and say, isn't that interesting, look at this one surfacing again. And it becomes more grist for the mill of my own awakening.

So, make a list, of your fears and pull from the list your top ten. In honor of Lettermen's recovery, make a Top Ten List. Fear number one at the top. And decide how to face it and work with it. If you intend to become free in this life, I think it is important!

Drawn from Dr Frederick Lenz's Teachings

Rama presented thousands of techniques that were intended to help students along their own pathway to enlightenment. Techniques presented here may be useful for you. The teachings are meant to be used by students who are serious about their practice, and their own enlightenment.

A special thanks to
Lynne (Samadhi) for her writing, and the inspiration to begin this feature.

Let Dr Lenz's Tapes Teach