An A.A. Solution for Irrational Fear!

The following definitions of fear, terror and apprehension are my own; probably not to be found in a dictionary—they are simply a bright idea I came up with of late.

First, let us go back to the days of when our hunter/gatherer ancestors were sometimes chased by hungry wild animals. One of these three emotions would have taken over:

Fear: Body is overcome with extra energy to either fight the toothy beast or take off on a fast hike—this surge is what I consider as anger. (Think about it!)

Terror: Frozen stiff and gets gobbled.

Apprehension: This emotion allowed our cave dwelling ancestors to think clearly—maybe climb a tree, etc.

The ones who survived left an imprint on the genes* (DNA) of their offspring sapiens, e.g.: you and me! Consequently, when aroused, I automatically tend to become tense and angry and seemingly out of control. It just pops up from those genes from yore—and it ain’t going anywhere! If I don’t find some way to circumvent this inherited genealogical process, I will be running around town all day long like a wet hen or dry drunk. What to do?

Well, I can thank God for providing AA tools. I can now—at least at times—place those disastrous devils of fear and anger on the back burner and feel calm apprehensive concern instead. When I feel wronged, I can forgive the evil doer, see where I may have been at fault, or simply ask God to remove these two demons. (pages 67 and 68) Also, there is a prayer on page 552 which is not part of the Twelve Steps, but it has worked for me on several occasions (look it up!).

So now, when my emotions are under attack, I can enjoy a normal calm apprehensive response by following these clear-cut directions in the Big Book, so long as I rise above what my immediate emotions are shouting at me. I have a choice!

Bob S, Richmond, IN

*Gene: a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.