At Tokyo University, they have figured out how to take the fear of cats out of mice.  By switching off a gene, they removed certain nasal cells that the mice use to identify predators, and the altered mice showed absolutely no fear of cats.  They even snuggled and played with cats.  Check out some great pics of the mouse-kitty interplay here.  Super cute.

Okay. So we know that some of our fears are genetically programmed.  We’re afraid of large carnivorous animals, and we’re afraid of things that go bump in the night.  But…spiders?  Cockroaches?  Public speaking?  What’s that all about?

Let’s say that some of our fears are rooted in our genetic makeup.  And some have been conditioned into us by our parents, other role models and experiences.  Whether our fears are genetic or conditioned, is there a way for us to overcome them?

I believe in the Susan Jeffers “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” approach.  I am certainly not at the point where I’m applying it 100%, but the awareness of actions born of fear is a huge step.  So my focus is now to become very aware of what’s driving my behavior.  If I see myself choosing to be afraid rather than going forward in courage, I all of a sudden can choose.  It’s when I’m not aware that I have no choices.