Fear is one of the most fundamental roadblocks people encounter in their lives. For most, it is THE defining factor in their existance. Ultimately, though, there is only one real fear; the fear of Death.
Once we recognize that Death is an ally, not an enemy, we can truly begin to live a fearless life. Coming to grips with our mortality and understanding the thinness of the veil that separates "life" from "death" helps us to put all other "fears" into perspective.
This is the Path of the Warrior - the Path of Strength and Power.
Some books you may find useful on the subject:
"Beyond Fear", don Miguel Ruiz
"Places That Scare You", Pema Chodron
"When Things Fall Apart", Pema Chodron
Erin has written about the difference between "startled" and "afraid". I like the distinction she draws.
To me, the distintion is that startled manifests as, "Whoa....didn't expect that!" while Fear manifests as, "EEEEK!!![run away, flee, hide, protect yourself]"
The former allows you to remain open to the experience while the latter closes you off.
Fear, or "dread" - in my opinion - stems solely from our desire not to die or to have ones we love die. Also, to a lesser degree, not to be uncomfortable or feel pain.
When we give up thinking of Death as the enemy and accept that Pain is merely a state of mind, we have nothing left to cause us Fear. It is at that point that we can truly begin to see the world as it "is" and not how we'd like it or want it to be. Same with other people and ourselves.
don Juan Mattus called Fear the first obstacle of a Man of Knowledge. This is what he was talking about.
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