Fear can be caused by many things or events. In the fable about the Lion and the Elephant, Aesop teaches us to think differently about our fears. When we let fear take over, we are living a less-than-healthy life. For example, fear of cancer can prevent our bodies from performing in the healthiest manner.
Physiological effects of fear: High blood pressure, racing heart, faster breathing, and blood flow away from your heart out to your limbs. These reactions are good if you are in an immediate “fight or flight” situation. Long-term effects are not healthy.
The lion was more powerful than all the other animals. ‘Yet great though I may be,’ said the lion, ‘I am terribly afraid of roosters!’
It was when he was in this frame of mind that the lion came upon the elephant. The lion greeted the elephant and stopped to converse with him. When he saw that the elephant kept on flapping his ears, the lion inquired, ‘What’s the matter with you? Why do you keep on flapping your ears like that?’
As the elephant began to speak, a gnat came whizzing by and the elephant said, ‘Do you see this little thing, this little buzzing thing? If it gets inside my ear, I’m doomed.’
‘Well then,’ the lion concluded, ‘why should I die of shame? I am an excellent creature indeed, and in much better shape than this elephant. Roosters are more formidable than gnats, after all!’
Lesson for us: Focus on our strengths rather than our weaknesses or fears. When we are facing cancer or any life-threatening or changing illness that is the time we must be like the elephant and do what we can to overcome the illness AND use our strengths to face our fear.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 
A wonderful fable, Karen, and wise advice. Fear has its uses and it keeps us safe from danger, but it can also prevent some wonderful relationships from flourishing and exciting adventures from shaping our years. Here’s to facing the unknown and uncomfortable with courage.
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Fear is a powerful emotion that can help us or hinder us. Thank you for your insightful reply, Dee.
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🙂
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Cancer is a frightening diagnosis but after the initial scare, then comes the choices. Your story is right on. I’ve made my peace by ‘letting go and letting God’. I try to live in a place of gratitude for the years, the months. . . and the moments. 💕
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All we do have is moments whether we have a serious illness or cancer. Living in the moment with as much love as can will make us a better person as well as others.
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That is an excellent lesson, Karen. When I was faced with the specter of a Cancer diagnosis, I remember the doctor saying he was sorry to report it. I asked him if it was terminal, and he said not necessarily. I then said well, let’s get on with making it a good outcome and not be sorry. I saw relief in his eyes.
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John, you helped the doctor overcome his fears. A beautiful statement of who you are, and how each of us can learn from others. Thank you for sharing..
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Thank you, Karen. 🤗
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