There Is No Way to Escape

Human life has a natural defense system. From time to time, it springs into action. Coupled with this are certain socially learned habits designed to keep us safe.

Fear and doubt—these two emotions were originally meant to serve life's security. For instance, before crossing the street, 'doubt' alerts us: "Watch out for oncoming traffic." Thank you, doubt!

Again, on the way to school, seeing a small puddle, we might think of jumping across. But suddenly we remember—we're wearing new shoes. If they get wet, we'll catch it from mother. Better take the long way around. Thank you, fear!

So far, everything's normal. Fear and doubt are playing helpful roles here.

But the trouble is—fear and doubt become overly conceited about their importance. Then they start shadowing us and bossing us around at every moment, even where they're not needed. An endless clamor builds inside the mind: "What if this happens... what if that doesn't... be careful... they won't listen... they won't do it..."

This perpetual anxiety pushes us into that state which Henry David Thoreau called—"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation."

The result? We become entangled with outcomes. Before every event, we think: "What if I can't handle it?" That fear breeds more fear. And thus fear and doubt become the silent undercurrent of despair.

What happens then? People simply accept. Whether they like it or not, they accept, thinking—what else can be done but to accept? Here there's no question of liking or disliking; what must be done must be done, even if we don't want to do it.

Through gradual practice of this—when stress arrives, there's no more panic. We understand that it's actually come to help. Its purpose is to sharpen our attention, improve our efficiency, and propel us forward on the path to our goals while keeping us calm yet alert.