Pondering how Faith removes Fear

What is fear, but a state of mind? What is faith? Also a state of mind? How do you change from fear to faith? What is a person like who is fear based? The person may engage in constant worry,or may be angry  and hateful. Jealousy is also a form of fear.  Constant fear is a thief that steals our power.  Faith keeps us strong even in the face of fear. Faith is a mindset of perseverance beyond the appearance of outer circumstances. But there must be balance and wisdom beyond emotional reasoning. So what is faith?
 Is all faith religious? I consider myself to be a spiritual person, but not a religious person. I think about the times when I had to have faith. There were many times in my life where things seemed to have gone awry and I had to get past the fear to get through them. I had to believe that something would show up and I would be ok. I would call that faith and I would say I had to believe that something beyond my little human reasoning would help the situation.  Well I am still here and I am ok. I have survived many trials and tribulations. And if you are reading this, my guess is that you have also survived. You learned along the way, maybe became more humble, and moved forward. You did not fall into a black hole so to speak.  Doesn't it seem that when one door closes another opens? Also, there can be power in numbers when people work together life situations work out better. What else is helpful for eliminating fear? Being in the moment, fear triggers anxiety, which is future based, so be in the moment, do what is before you right now and let go of trying to control the future.  I think that is also faith. I can handle today, and I may be able to do that pretty well. I'll bet you can too. If you would like to read more, of course you can Google about the topic. I think there is some good information here, but you may have others that work for you.


http://www.yogananda-srf.org/HowtoLive/Conquering_Fear,_Anxiety,_and_Worry.aspx#.Umz8L_lwo1I

What Love Isn't

Having a partner is a nice thing. It is like having your best friend with you. The relationship itself should  be supportive for each other's growth. But often times if one is not doing the will of the other, then anger arises and jealousy sets in and what was supposed to be love, now becomes a tug-of-war for control over the other.
It is hard to be in love and let go if one person needs to move on, but it is sometimes necessary for growth. But love is not control. Here are two articles related to what love is and isn't

http://www.personalgrowthzone.com/tm200510.html

http://capitalismmagazine.com/2012/05/what-love-is-and-isnt/

You know me, I like the cognitive connection: I like this:

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

― Lao Tzu

Suffering as a part of life

It seems that people suffer at one time or another in their life.  It also seems that many people find it very upsetting not to have things be wonderful for them.  But in suffering we learn, and if we do not learn then we suffer more.  Sometimes it is in accepting the condition that we can learn and grow.

Well it has been awhile.  I have been reading Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. I do believe in what he says and I will share with you some of his quotes: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” 
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. No one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being unless he loves him. By his love he is enabled to see the essential traits and features in the beloved person; and even more, he sees that which is potential in him, which is not yet actualized but yet ought to be actualized. Furthermore, by his love, the loving person enables the beloved person to actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be and of what he should become, he makes these potentialities come true.” 
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” 
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

“Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.” 
― Viktor E. Frankl

“In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.” 
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” 
― Viktor E. Frankl