We are hardwired to be afraid of the dark, at least in some capacity. From an evolutionary standpoint it makes sense, given the things that preyed on humans over our evolution. But that doesn’t mean we need to let that fear run unchecked now when we spend time outside at night.

I remember as a child I would be outside at night all the time, it was normal and my home so I always felt comfortable exploring outside at night.

And then once I was returning home to visit as an adult, one night I arrived late and got out of the car when no one was up. I vividly remember looking to the forest and trees and feeling like I didn’t know the place anymore and wondering what spooky things were waiting there to pop out at me. It was a completely different feeling even though it was the same place.

Fear is a funny thing. It is both helpful and a hindrance. Many people don’t go out to shoot because they are unable to get past the fear. And for those who do, sometimes we don’t end up getting the shot we want because we pack up and leave early or don’t hike out to the spot we really wanted to go to.

When you are done listening to this episode you will know:

• Why we are wired to be fearful at night, and how it is and isn’t still applicable
• How to think about fear at night in a new way
• Why I think being scared of the dark is a good thing
• New ways to work through any fear that comes up