embrace falling

the fear of falling is an intriguing phenomenon, not as innate as one might believe. in adults, the apprehension is palpable, a stark contrast to the obliviousness often displayed by children and novices in life's myriad games. as individuals mature into adulthood, there's a tendency to shun failure and the act of falling, primarily due to fear. this fear, however, becomes a barrier to learning and personal growth.

to confront this fear, one must face it head-on. avoidance is not the solution; rather, embracing the fear, or at the very least, acknowledging its existence, is key. recognition of fear diminishes its influence and loosens its grip on an individual's psyche. thus, the simple act of accepting that fear is present can be profoundly liberating.

young children, with their limited understanding of consequences, exhibit a remarkable resilience to fear. they fall, they stumble, yet they rise, undeterred and eager to explore further. this inherent boldness is not due to a lack of fear but rather a lack of the preconceived notions of failure that plague adults. it is the unadulterated courage to try, fail, and try again that propels them forward.

beginners, too, possess this quality. the game of life is new, the rules unlearnt, and the outcomes uncertain. without the burden of past failures, they venture forth with an openness to experience and learn, unencumbered by the fear of falling.

as adulthood encroaches, the stakes seem higher, and the consequences of failure more severe. society's emphasis on success and the stigmatization of failure foster a fear that deters risk-taking. the fear of judgment, of not meeting expectations, and of falling short becomes a shackle.

but what if one could unlearn this fear? what if, like a child, one could approach life with a sense of urgency and adventure, willing to fall and rise again? this is where the concept of staring fear in the face becomes pivotal. it is not about the absence of fear but about the mastery over it. to embrace or acknowledge fear is to strip it of its power, to reduce its hold, and to reclaim the freedom to fall and to fail.

knowing that fear exists is the first step towards overcoming it. it is an admission of one's vulnerability and a declaration of one's intent to grow. it is a challenge to oneself to venture beyond the comfort zone, to fall, to learn, and to rise stronger.

in essence, the fear of falling is not a natural disposition but a learned response. it grows with age and experience but can be mitigated through conscious effort. by staring fear in the face, embracing it, or simply acknowledging its presence, one can diminish its control. and in doing so, one opens the door to a world of learning, growth, and the true game of life, where falling is not an end but a beginning.