Fear is the double-edged sword of every generation. Some fear is necessary and stops a person from taking risks that are foolhardy and that if pursued may have negative consequences. Fear can also act as a motivator and encourage a person to get themselves moving forward. However, when fear becomes the thing that’s assumed from one generation to the next, without question or analysis, then it has become the inhibitor. The thing that may be preventing you from breaking through to a new level of understanding or accomplishment. It’s this kind of fear that’s passed down from one generation to the next that often proves to be society’s greatest stumbling block because this kind of behavior isn’t studied, it’s learned and expected. It carries with it a stigma or branding. A do it this way or else face penalty kind of mentality. Yet, before you either criticize or ignore this kind of behavior recognize that it’s considered to be a cultural norm and it’s not seen as something you fear but rather something you should do or not do to keep yourself safe. The problem with this kind of fear is not that it exists but that in most cases it’s outlived its usefulness.
The problem is that they were communicated as fears to subsequent generations even though technological advances have invalidated the threat the behaviors were created to address
If you find yourself doing something because you’ve been told you should, it’s time to take a minute to stop and reflect. Many of the out-moded customs and fears that we still adhere to today were begun as an attempt to address an issue that was important at the time. This will include cooking, clothing and hygiene restrictions that may be cultural or a family tradition that was created to handle a specific but significant event.
Remember, at the time of inception these customs were the answer to a threat that was present in that time period.
The problem is not that beneficial safety measures were taken at a time and place when they were appropriate. The problem is that they were communicated as fears to subsequent generations even though technological advances have invalidated the threat the behaviors were created to address. This means generation after generation may be running from nothing. Enslaved to a way of conduct that was appropriate at the time but is no longer necessary.
The fear surrounding the ritual or forbidden item may have appeared real to its creator but it may never have been a threat at all
An additional problem with passing taboos from one generation to the next is the very real possibility this it was created without substance. The fear surrounding the ritual or forbidden item may have appeared real to its creator but it may never have been a threat at all. There was misinformation that was shared, exaggerated and acted upon without cause and it created such “what-if” fear that this non-existent threat then became stamped upon the heart of all future generations. A not to be questioned but to be obeyed kind of understanding.
When you examine prescribed methods, deeply held fears or any other belief systems that dictate how you live your life today, it’s important to ascertain the present threat level
Yet, no matter how the fear began it’s important to examine it by what you know to be true today. Refrigeration, improved cooking implements and a more complete understanding of the disease process allow us to take liberties that would have resulted in certain death for previous generations. When you examine prescribed methods, deeply held fears or any other belief systems that dictate how you live your life today, it’s important to ascertain the present threat level. You’re not judging the decisions of your ancestors, you’re re-examining behaviors and beliefs to determine if they are still valid in this moment. When you find an ancestral fear that’s no longer relevant, be gentle. Honor the people who were confronted with this circumstance. Recognize that they were doing their best with what they knew to be true at the time and then, with gratitude for all that was, which no longer has cause to be, simply open your heart and allow that fear to be washed away. Be the trendsetter in your culture who dares to move their beliefs forward based on current knowledge as you help society move forward from the stranglehold that fear has created.
As advances are made in every area of society, old fears may no longer represent valid beliefs
Every generation is tasked with reassessing and presenting beliefs that are aligned with the updated information now available. As advances are made in every area of society, old fears may no longer represent valid beliefs. Be brave but be kind and look beneath the surface of every belief, every taboo and every fear. Then with the wisdom of your heart and the assistance of the energetic realm honor all that you are by releasing that which no longer serves your highest good.
The biggest fear we possess is the fear of fear itself. That is when faith can become the antidote to fear. Great article. sharing.
Brilliant as always Kat. It’s so important that we ask ourselves why we’re doing something instead of just doing it because that’s the way it’s always been done. Here’s to everyone allowing their faith to be a guide that leads them to freedom.