Hope is defined as an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. I’ve always felt that hope is a bridge to our better selves when used in a way that accentuates our better qualities. Like all bridges hope is no longer necessary once we cross over to the other side and realize what we have been hoping for. The temporary nature of hope does not lessen it’s importance in helping us navigate through life. When things are difficult it’s always good to be able to call upon hope and bring it back to the forefront.
I’ve noticed in my life that hope is more effective when fear is held in abeyance and doesn’t take over our lives. In some ways hope is an opposite of fear or rather a modifier of fear. In the face of fear hope can help us push forward to achieve our goals. It tells us that we don’t have to surrender to fear and allows us to use fear in a positive way. Hope doesn’t have to be a response to fear but in many cases it is.
I find that when I practice mindfulness it reduces fear and strengthens hope. The practice also strengthens qualities like kindness, compassion, gratitude and forgiveness all of which are supporting players in the world of hope. Those qualities help us to sustain hope and cross that bridge into the realization of our better selves. The thousands of research studies about mindfulness attest to this and my personal experience does too. To me the main benefit of mindfulness is it’s ability to put fear in it’s place. Fear is a positive response to a real danger but becomes a hindrance when it overstays it’s welcome. Mindfulness makes sure that it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome by preventing the autonomic nervous system from getting stuck in fight or flight thus perpetuating fear over long periods of time. As long as we keep fear in it’s place through the practice of mindfulness hope will flourish.