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Joseph Callender, August 26 2024

From Fear to Wisdom

All of our emotions have the ability to throw us off balance or keep us on a calm and peaceful path. How we handle them is the key to their mastery.

Fear is one of the most primal and powerful emotions, deeply intertwined with both our survival instincts and our soul journey. While fear serves an essential function in warning us of danger, it can also paralyse us, preventing growth and progress. Fear often arises when we are disconnected from our deeper selves or from the natural flow of life. However, when properly understood and addressed, fear has the potential to be transformed into wisdom, courage, resilience, and motivation.

The Nature of Fear

Fear is not just an emotional response; it is an energetic vibration, much like joy, stress, or anxiety. It manifests in the body as a reaction to a perceived threat, triggering physical and emotional responses that prepare us for fight or flight. Fear is closely connected to the Kidneys and the Water element, which are responsible for storing our life essence, or Jing. Fear depletes Kidney energy, especially when it becomes chronic or is linked to unresolved traumas.

Fear is not inherently negative; however, when it becomes excessive, constant, or irrational, it can disrupt our balance and restrict our growth.

Our emotional response to fear is highly individual. Typically, fear is accompanied by responses like  increased adrenaline, heightened awareness, and accelerated heart rate.  What one person fears might seem trivial to another. Fear is not always based on a tangible threat; it can also stem from imagined dangers or anxieties about the future.

Fear often arises when we project past negative experiences into the future or when we encounter uncertainty about our path in life. These imagined fears create a boundary around our potential, limiting our freedom and growth.

The Kidneys and Water Element

In TCM, fear is primarily associated with the Kidneys and Bladder, which belong to the Water element. The Kidneys are seen as the foundation of our constitutional strength and the storehouse of our life force, or Jing. Jing is inherited from our ancestors and represents our deepest potential and vitality. When fear is experienced for prolonged periods or in sudden, overwhelming bursts, it depletes Jing, weakening the Kidney energy and disrupting the balance of the Water element.

Kidney and Fear Connection. The Kidneys govern our willpower and determination. When Kidney Qi is strong, we feel confident, secure, and capable of pursuing our goals. However, when Kidney Qi is weakened by excessive fear, we may feel insecure, anxious, and hesitant to take action.

Water Element Imbalance. When the Water element is out of balance due to chronic fear, we may experience physical symptoms such as frequent urination, night sweats, low back pain, and poor memory. Emotionally, we may feel detached, isolated, and overwhelmed by fear.

Other Organs implicated with Fear:

Fear's Metaphysical Considerations

Fear can also have deeper roots, often related to a disconnection from our higher purpose, life force, or the flow of the universe:

From Limitation to Wisdom

Fear may lead us to establish excessive boundaries.  This will be conditioned from past experiences that cause us to predict negative outcomes. Sometimes these boundaries can are sensible and useful; they alert us to situations where we need to exercise caution. However, they can also be limiting if we are unwilling to push past them. Positive considerations include:


Transforming Fear

While the fear response is critical for short-term survival, prolonged exposure to stress hormones can lead to negative health outcomes such as:

Fear also affects the psyche. Short-term exposure can enhance focus and prepare the body to respond to danger, but chronic fear can result in mental health disorders like anxietyphobias, and panic disorders. When fear is constant, the brain becomes conditioned to overreact to stressors, leading to hyper vigilance, which erodes our quality of life.

Meridian Points for Fear and Kidney Energy Imbalance


KI1 (Gushing Spring). Located on the sole of the foot, this point is used to ground energy and calm the mind. It helps alleviate fear by anchoring the Kidney energy.

Location: On the sole of the foot, between the second and third toes, about one-third of the distance from the base of the toes to the heel.

Effect: Reduces fear, calms the mind, and balances Kidney energy.


KI4 (Great bell). Tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens the will to dispel fear. It’s located on the medial side of the ankle, on the edge of the Achilles tendon, level with the lower border of the ankle bone.

In a time of fear and uncertainty, this point helps fortify the will to work through fear towards achieving our highest purpose.

This is a powerful point for nourishing the Kidneys and supporting overall energy. It is helpful for treating fear, anxiety, and weakness in the Kidney system.


Lifting Fear and Strengthening the Body and Spirit

Herbal Support for Kidney Health. TCM often recommends herbs that strengthen Kidney Qi and support the Water element. These include:

Practices to Overcome Fear. Regular meditation helps calm the mind and provides insight into the nature of fear. Practices that focus on grounding and connecting to the earth can be particularly helpful for addressing fear related to the Kidneys and Water element.

Affirmations: Repeat affirmations that focus on courage, strength, and resilience:

Breath work: Deep, mindful breathing helps calm the nervous system and reduce the physiological effects of fear. Practices like diaphragm breathing and pranayama can help regulate the flow of Qi and promote relaxation.

Lifestyle Recommendations.


Written by

Joseph Callender

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Newer Depression is disconnection