Throughout history, epidemics and plagues have stirred deep levels of distrust and fear that have, in turn, thrown entire cultures into upheaval. The current pandemic seems to be a perfect storm of fear that permeates all areas of society and exposes deep divisions as well as wild extremes.

 

This episode of Living Myth begins with an old teaching story that reveals the many levels of fear that can affect each of us individually and all of us collectively. Michael Meade uses the old tale to show that how we respond to fear determines whether we become more wise or else more foolish, become more centered or more extreme and unbalanced.

 

Eventually, it becomes necessary to realize that what we fear will not simply go away; rather we must face our fears or else become overwhelmed. It is important to know that the hidden aim of fear is not “fight or flight,” but rather the revelation of untapped inner resources that are trying to awaken in each of us. Healthy fear involves an increase of consciousness that stirs deep instincts and intuitions that can be life-protective, life-saving and life enhancing. In critical times, the greatest safety can be found in becoming wise enough to take the right risk.

 

Thank you for listening to and supporting this podcast.  You can hear Michael Meade live by joining his new online series “Hidden Abundance” that continues this Friday, Feb. 19. Register and learn more at mosaicvoices.org/events.

 

You can save 30% on this series, receive additional podcast episodes and further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium.  Learn more and become a member at patreon.com/livingmyth.

 

As always, you can also support this podcast by leaving a review on iTunes and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you continued well-being and deep community connection during this period of great uncertainty and transformation.