Fear is just an illusion

VERONICA GUARISCO, 2D

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? While traditionally considered a “negative” emotion, fear actually plays a central role in keeping us safe. When we have to face danger, our body releases chemicals which change some brain and body functions to aid us in survival, for example modifying the quantity of energy and the perception of pain. In order to do this, it shuts down nonessential systems like critical thought: isn’t it great? Whereas some people find it nearly intolerable, scientific studies have demonstrated that feeling pain-free and energized, not catching up in worrisome thoughts that normally occupy our brain, leads to the relaxation of certain areas of the brain, similar to those of people who meditate, therefore it might be useful to experience it every now and then. 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 will make them stronger. If you welcome and face them, they will make you stronger”. Concretely, managing fear in small doses is a very effective form of training to overcome it because you’ll gradually build up the belief that it’s not such a big deal after all. Another thing that has very ancient roots is the idea of practicing the concept of ‘premeditatio malorum’, the worst-case scenario. Prepare yourself emotionally for the worst (without getting overwhelmed), so that when the time comes, your fear deflates in the face of a reality that is not as hard as you had imagined. Easy peasy! As Victor Hugo once said. “Many great deeds are accomplished in small struggles; […] (these are) noble and mysterious triumphs that nobody sees, no fame

rewards, no fanfare greets”. In conclusion, if there is not a real unsafe situation, don’t let anyone or anything restrain you: fear is just an illusion, you can defeat it!