The Ageless Wisdom Mystery School with Michael Benner

Fear of Fear Itself

·26 min·2 clips

A mysterious voice told Michael Benner, 'The best parts of you are hidden where you're most afraid to look.'

The episode opens with Michael Benner introducing the topic of 'fear of fear,' referencing Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous quote. He explains that fear itself is not frightening but can indicate positive opportunities for growth when faced directly. Benner uses the analogy of a check engine light to describe fear as a warning signal, not the problem itself. He mentions the podcast's recent hiatus due to discussing the 2016 election of Donald Trump and a move from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, positioning this as a fresh start. Benner updates listeners on his book 'Fearless Intelligence,' which he has been writing for four years and hopes to publish by the end of 2017. He recounts taking a Silva Mind Control class in his youth, which taught self-hypnosis and meditation for enhanced self-awareness. This led to learning self-observation, watching his thoughts and emotions from a detached perspective. Benner cites ancient Greek philosophy, noting Plato's 'know thyself' inscribed at Delphi, and Confucius's saying about self-knowledge leading to enlightenment. He argues that the fear of fear is ultimately a fear of understanding oneself. About ten years after the Silva class, Benner experienced a pivotal moment where he heard a voice saying, 'Michael, the best parts of you are hidden where you're most afraid to look.' This epiphany guided his approach to emotions, emphasizing personal responsibility over blame. He references Eleanor Roosevelt's quote about not letting others make you feel inferior without your consent. Benner discusses how childhood criticisms, like being called 'rotten,' can shape unconscious beliefs and fears. He advises listeners to sit quietly with their emotions, ask reflective questions like 'what is my personal growth lesson?', and wait for intuitive insights rather than logical analysis. Benner distinguishes between mental intelligence, which is logical and deductive, and emotional intelligence, which is intuitive and specific-to-general. He concludes that facing fear leads to its disappearance, making fear an ally and an entrance ramp to following one's heart. The episode ends with Benner encouraging listeners to sign up for his newsletter and promising more regular podcasts from his new studio.

As heard by us

A reflective spiritual take on fear as a signal, a doorway to self-knowledge, and a quiet call toward courage.

Fear is framed here as a warning light on the dashboard of inner life, less an enemy than a signal asking for attention. Michael Benner works the idea with calm patience, turning anxiety into an invitation to look more closely at what feels confusing, misunderstood, or…

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Why you'd press play

If fear is blinking like an emotional check-engine light, this episode invites you to pull over and look under the hood.

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