"PROCEED WHILE BEING AFRAID
The next sentence you read is astonishingly powerful: Instead of trying to
be unafraid, march on with the inner task while being afraid. This is the
exact opposite of usual behavior, which is why it produces opposite
results. Trying to be unafraid merely produces more fear, so end this wrong
way.
Here is what to do. Find small timid areas within yourself and just go
ahead and do what your timidity does not want you to do. Act while being
afraid to act. This calls the bluff on fear. Maybe you are shy about
speaking up when with certain people. Just go ahead and say something while
noticing your own deliberate defiance of the fear. See? You did it. Or
maybe you constantly agree with someone because you fear him. The next
time, do not agree, but remain silent. See? You succeeded again. Continue
like this.
You have many parts, including voice, thoughts, feelings, reactions, facial
expressions. When just one part of you proceeds while being afraid, it
arouses new courage in your other parts. The emotions hear you speak up and
they exclaim with delight, 'Well, if the voice can proceed while being
afraid, so can we!' You are pulling yourself together."
Practical Exercises for Inner Harmony, # 9
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