Our Deepest Fear

This inspiring poem on our deepest fear is taken from Marianne Williamson's book A Return to Love.

I first came across this poem whilst watching a Hollywood film Coach Carter. The poem is recited by one of the student when asked by the coach regarding their no-show. The poem imbibes the confidence in the student’s to give out their best and importantly shed all inhibitions.

It also highlights our reluctance to openness and being content with mediocrity.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? 
You are a child of God.

Your playing small 
Does not serve the world. 
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking 
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, 
As children do. 
We were born to make manifest 
The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; 
It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, 
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 


As we're liberated from our own fear, 
Our presence automatically liberates others.