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F E A R IS J U S T A N IL L U S IO N V E R O N IC A G U A R IS C O , 2 D
Nowadays more and more people are getting captured by the charm of fear, lining up to scare themselves with a thrill ride or horror movie. How could this be fun?
On the other hand, we all know that fear also irrationally comes up, preventing us from doing things we’d like to. A proverb says that “if you fight your fears, trying to repress them or run away from them, you While traditionally considered a “negative” emotion, fear actually plays a central will make them stronger. If you welcome role in keeping us safe. When we have to and face them, they will make you stronger”. Concretely, managing fear in small face danger, our body releases chemicals doses is a very effective form of training which change some brain and body funto overcome it because you’ll gradually ctions to aid us in survival, for example modifying the quantity of energy and the build up the belief that it’s not such a big deal after all. Another thing that has very perception of pain. In order to do this, it shuts down nonessential systems like cri- ancient roots is the idea of practicing the concept of ‘premeditatio malorum’, the tical thought: isn’t it great? worst-case scenario. Prepare yourself Whereas some people find it nearly intoleemotionally for the worst (without getrable, scientific studies have demonstrated ting overwhelmed), so that when the time that feeling pain-free and energized, not comes, your fear deflates in the face of a catching up in worrisome thoughts that reality that is not as hard as you had imanormally occupy our brain, leads to the gined. Easy peasy! relaxation of certain areas of the brain, As Victor Hugo once said. “Many great similar to those of people who meditate, therefore it might be useful to experience deeds are accomplished in small struggles; […] (these are) noble and mysteit every now and then. rious triumphs that nobody sees, no fame E t C e t e r a M a jo r a n a
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