Dojo is introduced in the gray level training from the Mindset Dojo. While this form describes the overall Dojo concept, it also references fear and ‘fearless’ concepts at its core. I wanted to dive deeper into the concept of ‘fear’ as it is not only seen in the Dojo form, but is referenced in many Mindset forms and insights.
Fear is a basic, primal emotion that serves as a protective mechanism alerting us to the presence of danger or threat, whether physical or psychological. Psychologically, fear is acute and specific to a distinct threat, resolving once the danger passes.
A good argument for overcoming fear is that fear, while a natural and protective emotion, often limits personal growth, decision-making, and the pursuit of meaningful goals. By facing and overcoming fear, individuals can expand their comfort zones, develop resilience, and unlock their potential to achieve success and fulfillment.
But like many things in life, it’s more complicated than that.
While often seen as unpleasant or negative, fear is essential for self-preservation. Fear triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing physiological changes like increased heart rate and adrenaline release, which prepare an individual to either confront or flee from the threat.
Let’s also look at the complexity of the concept of fear from a Biblical liguistic angle.
One Hebrew term for fear, pachad (פַּחַד), which refers to terror or dread.
An example passage is Deuteronomy 28:66, which describes a future where the Israelites will “fear day and night”. This is in reference to a constant, hovering dread of an unknown force of destruction that can hit at any time.
Conversely, the Hebrew word yir’ah (יִרְאָה) is a central concept in biblical theology, often translated as “fear,” but it carries a much richer meaning that includes awe, reverence, respect, and worship. While it can sometimes imply trembling or dread, especially in the face of God’s majesty, its primary biblical sense is not terror but a profound respect and awe that leads to obedience and wisdom.
In Proverbs, yir’ah is the “beginning of knowledge” and “the beginning of wisdom,” contrasting with the foolishness of rejecting instruction.
Yir’ah shapes ethical conduct, justice, and leadership, as leaders are called to rule “in the fear of the Lord”
A modern example might be the recent rescue of 20 hikers who were rescued from Mount Washington in New Hampshire. They climbed the mountain in normal hiking clothes, but had to be rescued after being trapped on the snow bound peak. A lack of ‘reverence’ for a dangerous force of nature can result in a lack of fear for the obvious dangers it presents.
In the end fear is a complex, disparate concept that we all need to wrestle with on our own terms. Engage with the Dojo to learn to meet fear with presence.
