You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast to help you find the sacred in

the ordinary.

We have 100 meditation episodes on this podcast, but if you want to listen for free to the

entire library of 500, I encourage you to download the encountering piece mobile app where

all the meditations are free as they should be.

So what makes you most afraid?

Is it more tangible things like snakes or spiders flying or public speaking?

Or is it emotional triggers like a fear of rejection or fear of love?

Though the reasons vary, fear's purpose seems to be divinely designed to keep you and

I from harm.

It seems to start with the amygdala, a little almond-shaped bundle of neurons buried deep

in the brain.

When you sense something potentially dangerous, the amygdala sends signals to other parts

of the brain saying, hey, wake up, pay attention.

I'm afraid something bad is about to happen.

Well, the theme of this meditation from 1 Peter 4 is about being afraid, specifically

fear of the past.

Afraid the past will come back to haunt you.

Afraid your past secrets and sins will be uncovered.

We'll tell you're amygdala to relax for a moment.

It's safe here.

Just relax as you begin your time by breathing slowly.

...