People respond to fear in different ways. Some may externalize the feeling as anger and act out with aggression or blame. Some may internalize the feeling as anxiety or depression, seeking escape and distance from what they see themselves powerless over. Others (for whom ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ is not an option) may freeze, numb out, or become fixed in outright denial of the situation.
Fear can help us to survive in unfamiliar or threatening circumstances by making us more aware of the actions we need to take for our well-being. Fear can mobilize us. But it can also paralyze us. If we are destabilized too much or too often, the feeling may take over to haunt our waking lives as a constant sense of unease or impending doom. If we are stuck in this state for too long, the very biological system that was designed to ensure our well-being can turn on its head as our bodies and minds start to break down from being on alert 24/7.
If our environment or lifestyle actively feeds our fear, we may revert back to basic survival needs and focus solely on immediate and short-term concerns. If our main priority becomes seeking comfort and safety, we may resort to addictive substances and activities to soothe and calm ourselves.
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8. FEAR ~ The Social Outcast
by Katarzyna Vedah. March 1, 2019
If we feel too exhausted, weighed down, and unable to cope, we may inadvertently allow others to make decisions on our behalf, or be suggestible enough to trade our personal rights and freedoms for a perceived sense of security.
Caught in survival mode, it may be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, to adopt an ‘us-versus-them’ mentality, and to rigidly hold to a particular perspective that reinforces our sense of control. Understandably, living in a hyper-vigilant state can make us intolerant to ambiguity, complexity, and the unfamiliar. And historically, people who have challenged us to explore these ‘grey zones’ of life have been feared and seen as threats or hazards to the status quo.
Throughout time, artists, philosophers, psychologists, activists, scientists and others who have challenged our fears, moved past absolutes, and questioned ‘black-and-white’ dogmatic thinking have been ignored, ridiculed, ostracized, debased, discredited, vilified or persecuted…. They have been the outsiders and social outcasts among us who’ve pointed to the imbalances in our cultures and our psyches.
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It takes courage to speak up when most do not want to listen, too caught up in blame, anxiety, or denial ~ too caught up in terror.
So let us take the time to unplug from a system that keeps us frozen in fear, just long enough to calm down a bit; just long enough to hear ourselves again and listen to our real needs; just long enough to be open to another perspective; and just long enough to uncover new answers and solutions to what ails us.
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RESOURCES:
VIDEO: (YouTube)
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What is Art for?
School of Life
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Please Break the Law?
The Art Assignment
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VIDEO: (YouTube) - TED Talk
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Turn the World Inside Out – JR
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Emotional Courage – Susan David
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Change Your Behavior - Tali Sharot
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100 Days Without Fear – Michelle Poler
DOCUMENTARY: (YouTube) – Trailer
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The Wolfpack (Crystal Moselle)
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Obey Giant: The Art & Dissent of Shepard Fairey (James Moll)
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RIPPLE EFFECT
PASSION PROJECTS FROM THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY

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WHEN LOVE
SURPASSES
FEAR
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FILM: (YouTube) - Trailer
The Village (M. Night Shyamalan)
Freedom Writers (Richard LaGravenese)
SPOKEN WORD / VIDEO:
Spirit – Get Lit NOW (YouTube)
The Revolution – Get Lit NOW (YouTube)
VIDEO: (YouTube) - Blank on Blank
Stephen King on Childhood
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VIDEO: (YouTube)
My Monster Boyfriend (Lindsay Ellis)
Salem Witch Trials (Sabrina Cruz)
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MUSIC / VIDEO: (Vimeo)
I’m Afraid of Americans – Bowie & Reznor
DOM&NIK
VIDEO: (YouTube)
Biggest Waves Ever Surfed – Nazare
Joge Mysteries
HEALTHY M.O.
PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL BALANCE

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THE INNER OUTSIDER
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VIDEO: (YouTube) - School of Life
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Hypervigilance & How to Overcome It
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VIDEO (YouTube): – 10% Happier
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Dan Harris Embarrassing Panic Attack
How Meditation Helps with Stress
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VIDEO: (YouTube)
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Using Fear To Your Advantage (Today)
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BOOK: The Art of Fear. By Kristen Ulmer
VIDEO: (YouTube) - School of Life
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VIDEO: (YouTube) - TED Talk
Activism Needs Introverts – Sarah Corbett
Creative Brilliance of Dyslexia – Kate Griggs
WEBSITE: Craftivist Collective
BOOK: By Betsy Greer
Knitting for Good: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change, Stitch by Stitch.
PROCESS
PRACTICAL REINFORCEMENT FOR DAY-TO-DAY LIVING

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SCARING OURSELVES
VIDEO: (YouTube) - TED-Ed
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Psychology of PTSD
Joelle Rabow Maletis
VIDEO: (YouTube) – Teal Swan
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How to Get Rid of Anxiety
VIDEO: (YouTube) – TED Talk
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Breaking the Loop of Anxiety – Colin Bien
Define Your Fears – Tim Ferriss
Deal With Uncertainty – Mel Schwartz
VIDEO: (YouTube) - PNTV
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The Courage to Create by Rollo May
Brian Johnson
VIDEO: (YouTube) - Emotion Dynamics
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Panic Can Save Your Life
BOOK:
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SHIFT GEARS
CHANGING THE TEMPLATE

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BEYOND POLARIZATION
VIDEO: (YouTube)
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The Two Wolves (Teachings of the Ancients)
"Us Vs. Them" Mentality (Sounds True)
Us versus Them - Kim Bogucki (TED Talk)
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VIDEO: (YouTube) - TED Talk
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Why Do People Join Cults? – Janja Lalich
VIDEO: (YouTube) - Gigi Young
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VIDEO: (YouTube)
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I Can't Trust the Universe (Teal Swan)
Effective in Chaotic Times (Emotion Dynamics)
VIDEO: (YouTube) - Crash Course Philosophy
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