Throughout my life, I was taught that “‘Seize the moment’ [… referred] to a positive moment of opportunity, one not to be wasted” and that we live and strive for these moments, but according to Lappé:
[…] that such a moment can come as a disconcerting shock, dissonance that might not feel good at the time. It is in these precious moments –when something shakes up us, rattling us from our resignation or depression, or galvanizing that vague sense that there must be more to life ––that we can break free of the cycle of fear (161).
In order to break free from the cycle of fear we must recognize fear and realize that there are different alternatives to enter the hope cycle. In the section, “Rude Shock,” the author provides an example of a Republican couple belonging to a “conservative” Christian church. The couple informed their minister about the new realization they have come to regarding the Bush administration and were told to not share it with other church members. This was a shock to the couple, how could such advice come from their misters (162)? The jolt, gave them two choices, follow the cycle of fear or break free from it, which is what we must choose between.
It is not easy to turn down job offerings or opportunity for higher education, but you have do to what feels right in most cases. Like the couple, I have explored new ideas and have come to accept them, for example, holding off on applying to medical school and working from home. When I came to my family for reassurance and comfort, they were not my strongest supporters at first. I thought about pleasing them, but after some realization, I did not. I choose to break free and listen to my conscience. Although, the “moment” was given to me I chose to delay it, by widening my ideas to provide myself with alternative opportunities. As long as you do not think that once an opportunity passes, it is wasted, then you can break free from the cycle of fear and move on to greater opportunities.
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