Fear is one of our most powerful emotions. As a result of the recent manhunt for a sniper linked to 13 shootings in the Washington D.C. area, we are again reminded of how many people perceive fear only as a negative emotion. In this article we would like to discuss the positive aspects of fear and how that relates to our personal safety.

Violence is generally not random and is often predictable. Perpetrators of violence are looking for an opportunity. By being aware and trusting our instincts we can remove ourselves from the path of a violent situation or a violent person.

It is important to know that, although we may not realize it, we program our intuition and awareness. We may have built-in fears from experiences that we may or may not consciously remember. In a situation where our life is at risk, fear is useful since it is a true warning.

In our seminars we teach that true fear, as intended by nature, is very specific. Right now, right here in this situation "I‘m afraid." My intuition or subconscious is sending me a signal that says DANGER! With young children, who may not understand intuition, we talk about our belly siren going off and we teach them that this is a built-in alarm to warn us of danger.

There are two types of fear: irrational and rational. Irrational fear is disproportionate fear. For example, a person who upon seeing a garter snake jumps and screams could have a rational fear of snakes. If a person's reaction to seeing a snake was to scream and jump out the window causing them to break a leg or in essence do more harm to themselves than if had they stayed in the room, they have an irrational fear.

Some people live in fear all the time. They take a scenario (something bad they have lived or heard about) and become obsessed with fear. And what is sad is that they allow fear to rob them of their quality of life.

Let me use the example of Sue, who had a friend that was raped. As a result of listening to her friend's horrifying experience, Sue is now frozen with fear and she has allowed it to redefine her life. She is afraid to go out after dark, afraid to be in her apartment alone, afraid that every time the doorbell rings a rapist will be waiting for her. Sue's fear of rape is valid, however rapists aren't lurking everywhere. Her fear of being alone or going outside is an irrational fear.

We must learn to trust our instincts and trust that true fear provides us with early warning signals. Before fear becomes overwhelming, we need to think, to assess the situation, raise our awareness and think rationally, otherwise we may become paralyzed or we may panic.

Our brain is our most important survival tool. In regards to violence prevention it is important that we train ourselves to ask the following three questions:

• What is my situation?
• What is my risk exposure?
• What are my immediate options?

Cookie cutter approaches to violence prevention are dangerous. For example, regarding a woman being raped some people say do not resist, while others say always resist. While we believe that in most cases it is best to fight against a rapist, we can't say that one strategy is always right. However, the one strategy that will save your life is "Listen to your gut instincts."

There will be moments in our lives when we will be faced with fear. As long as we think of fear as a positive force and we are awake to our instincts, we can reduce the potential of becoming a victim of a crime. Don't be a prisoner of fear.

© 2002 Violence Free

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