Reframing Anxiety: Insights and Quotes for Peace
Written on
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety can often feel overwhelming, but gaining insight into its nature can be transformative. Ela Manga once remarked, “Anxiety is a conversation between something that is happening and something that wants to happen.” Recognizing that I am part of this dialogue has shifted my perspective significantly.
Instead of feeling helpless, I learned that I can manage my anxiety through simple practices such as controlled breathing, humming, singing, or even shaking it off. Sharing my feelings also diminishes its hold on me. Here are seven quotes that have guided me on this journey.
Section 1.1 The Nature of Control
Alan Watts once said, “When we attempt to exercise power or control over someone else, we cannot avoid giving that person the very same power or control over us.” This principle applies to anxiety as well.
Whenever I try to dominate my anxiety, it only intensifies. However, when I surrender and relinquish control, it often subsides because it has nothing left to cling to. It’s a paradoxical approach, yet it proves effective.
Subsection 1.1.1 Finding Space for Choice
Viktor Frankl noted, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” In moments of high anxiety, I’ve clung to a sense of panic, feeling trapped.
However, I eventually realized that there exists a pause where I can decide whether to exacerbate or alleviate my feelings. This is why I engage in breathing exercises, humming, singing, or shaking; they help me manage my anxiety effectively.
Section 1.2 The Origins of Anxiety
Gabor Maté suggested, “Much of what we call personality is not a fixed set of traits, only coping mechanisms a person acquired in childhood.” Growing up, I learned to maintain peace by remaining unnoticed. This strategy served me well, but as an adult, it morphed into a fear of being seen and heard.
I often viewed my anxiety as an enemy, but it was actually a protector based on my past experiences. Recognizing this was a revelation; I began to express gratitude for its presence and learned to cultivate safety and love towards it.
Chapter 2 Title: Embracing the Temporary Nature of Anxiety
The first video titled "Closing Thoughts" emphasizes the importance of shifting our mindset regarding anxiety. It highlights how language shapes our experiences and feelings about anxiety, encouraging viewers to embrace their emotions rather than suppress them.
In the second video, "My Closing Thoughts," the speaker reflects on personal growth in managing anxiety and the ways to transform anxious moments into opportunities for self-discovery.
Section 2.1 A New Perspective
Tom Robbins once said, “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.” Anxiety isn’t an inherent trait; it’s a reaction to past experiences that taught us to retreat.
James Clear affirms that “Anxiety isn’t you. It’s something moving through you.” This realization is liberating—anxiety is transient and does not define who we are.
Section 2.2 The Body's Role in Anxiety
Bessel van der Kolk states, “In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them.” Understanding the physical sensations tied to anxiety is crucial for healing.
For me, anxiety manifests as a racing heart, clenched jaw, and shallow breath. Engaging in breathing, humming, singing, and shaking helps counteract these symptoms and often allows the feelings to dissipate.
Section 2.3 Accepting Anxiety
Alan Watts expressed, “One is a great deal less anxious if one feels perfectly free to be anxious.” For years, I hid my anxiety, believing it to be a weakness.
Eventually, I recognized anxiety as a frightened child that needed compassion rather than judgment. By embracing my anxiety, I discovered a surprising reduction in its intensity.
Section 2.4 Trusting Life's Flow
Adi Da reminds us to “Relax. Nothing is under control.” Anxiety thrives on the illusion of control, but life is larger than any single person’s desire for it.
I learned to trust in life's mystery and embrace its unpredictability. This shift in mindset has been liberating and has allowed me to live more fully.
Closing Thoughts
It’s time to reshape our understanding of anxiety.
Language serves as a powerful tool in this transformation. Bruce Lee said, “Words are energy and cast spells, that’s why it’s called spelling.” Shifting from identifying as an anxious person to experiencing anxious moments has been a significant breakthrough for me.
This reframing lightened the burden of anxiety, transforming it from an insurmountable obstacle into a manageable aspect of my life. I hope this insight offers you a similar sense of relief.