AUGUST 2026 - FEARS - A Path to Unstuck

WELCOME!

Our world today has become more uncertain, even scary, thus adding to our fears of how to keep us safe.

Humans at birth have two innate fears for survival (1) “loud sounds” to warn of danger and (2) “falling” which could cause death. All of our other fears are, learned from individual experiences and societal concerns.

Since I was a young child, I had fears of worms and snakes, actually any creatures that slithered on the ground or hung from trees. I was especially traumatized during the season of little green worms hanging from the trees, I would not leave the house. Let’s talk about snakes – my mom had a family garden with a rock wall, needless to say, I spend countless days of my summer in the house or calling for help!

In exploring my library, I discover “The Fear Knot – How science, history, and culture shape our fears – and how to get unstuck”,  co- authored by Natashia Swalve, PhD an expert in the field of Psychology & Neuroscientist and Ruth Defoster, PhD a journalist professor who together offers a perspective from their own experiences and backgrounds. Their purpose was to help answer the question, “What should we actually be afraid of?”

Their goal: “…. We will help you untangle the knots of fear that settle in your stomach, unwavering valid fears from the illegitimate, the warranted from the overstated. learn how to discern the difference for yourself.”

Dr. Swalve and Dr. Defoster suggest the CFRAP method to help minimize your fears by evaluating your source of information and bias. The  CFRAP method is:

1. Current - How recent is the information.

2. Facts - Is the information based on facts?

3. Reliable Evidence -Who produces the information.

4. Authority - What is the goal of the information.

5. Purpose: Check if something that seems too good to be true is actually true

I found the book’s format to be user-friendly, allowing the reader to go directly to a chapter important to their fears at the time. The information discussed is current and professionally researched on such “Fears” concerning: Our Bodies, Our Home, The Young, Our Schools System, Our Country & Our World.

After reading and reflecting on my fear of “worms/snakes”. Although I still do not like this fear, I acknowledge no harm will come to me, so I can accept them as foolish feelings.

Going forward I will follow the CFRAP method to question and process any “foolish feelings “one fear knot at a time”.

Looking forward to meeting you over a cup of coffee and conversation!

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The tall crown and wide brim upturned in back features an intricate vented detail design.

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