Why You Will Never Be Completely Free Of Anxiety

Even though I have come a long way, I still have anxiety. Or at least, I can have anxiety. Let me explain myself.

I was always a basket case growing up. I think I felt anxious more than I felt calm. But in my early 20s, I experienced a shift which is what I share on Confessions Of An Awakened Youth.

But these Spiritual practices that I follow does not mean that I am 100% anxiety free. You must know that you will never find a solution to get rid of anxiety. Why? Because some anxiety is normal. I'll explain why through example. 

Imagine that you are walking home alone at night and you see a short cut which involves walking down a dark ally. You don't get a good feeling about it and you start to feel anxious. That's good! The anxiety will prompt you to be alert or find an alternative way home. Anxiety can save your life. Why would you want to get rid of that?

 For the rest of our lives we are going to be faced with uncertainty which will involve some degree of anxiety. The good news is that you can live a more care free and happy life than an anxious life. It's how you respond to anxiety that is key.

A couple hours ago, I was faced with uncertainty and technically I still face it. What triggered my anxiety involves my job so I don't want to get into details about it. But I felt myself rise and even panic. I wanted the matter addressed ASAP and I wasn't going to relax until it has been resolved. But it's Friday evening and there isn't anyone to help me until Monday.

Do I really want to be anxious for the rest of the weekend? Am I really going to let this take me from the present moment over the next couple of days? 

No.

I took a step back and looked at the outcomes of the situation: 1. the situation is resolved in my favor and 2. the situation is not resolved in my favor. 

Obviously the first outcome is the most desirable. But it's the uncertainty of the situation that causes the anxiety. And what happens if outcome number 2 comes to fruition? Well, I'll just deal with it. The world won't end. It will be OK. It's always OK at the end of the day. I am capable and strong even to handle any situation that comes my way. And so are you. 

You must be mindful. You must be in the present moment even if (when) anxiety rears it's ugly head. 

I hope this blog helps with your anxiety. If nothing else, I hope that it encourages you be mindful and feel fearless. It's a liberating thing when you can face your anxiety.

Thanks for reading,

Ang

Other meditation blogs you may like:

Don't Have Time To Meditate? Read This! https://confessionsofanawakenedyouth.blogspot.ca/2017/06/dont-have-time-to-meditate-read-this.html

Meditation For Dummies
https://confessionsofanawakenedyouth.blogspot.ca/2017/04/meditation-for-dummies.html

How To Deal With Negative Emotions

I bet it's safe for me to say that most people don't feel question why they experience positive emotions such as happiness. Why would we? It's a natural state that most humans strive for. But what about the polar opposite? People respond to these feelings very differently. I often see people dwelling or suppressing negative emotions.

But why would you do this? Probably because emotions such as anger and jealousy are unpleasant to experience. People who do not know how to handle such emotions often experience psychological problems. People who have pent up anger may lash out; people who refuse to admit to feeling jealousy may sabotage others; people who are chronically sad may commit suicide.

So how do you deal with such emotions? Think of this way. Yin and Yang, a Chinese Philosophy, states that things that are opposite or contradictory are actually connected and that one cannot exist without the other. Think of hot and cold; up and down. So why would we deny ourselves the right to experience every possible emotion? Because some are unpleasant. But just like happiness, they are also natural and necessary. Remember, positive emotions cannot exist without negative emotions.

The more we dwell or suppress our emotions, the stronger they become. So I have some suggestions on how you can handle negative emotions.

1. Admit What You Are Feeling

If you are feeling jealous because you boyfriend is talking to another girl, admit that you feel jealous. If you are upset because you did not get accepted to university, admit that you are upset. Be honest and open about what you are feeling.

2. Analyze Why You Are Having These Feelings

The best way for me to explain this is through example. Let's say you did not get accepted to the university of your dreams and you cry. Why are you crying? Because I'm sad (Tip 1). Why are you sad? Because I didn't get accepted to university. This reasoning is circular, so let's go a little deeper. Why does being rejected from a university make you upset? Because it confirms that I'm not good enough. Or because I won't be able obtain a good career and I'll be poor for the rest of my life. Now you have an understanding as to the real reason behind your emotions.

3. Understand That You Are In Control Of Your Life

Let's go back to the previous example. You know that a letter of rejection from a university does not dictate your worth. And not obtaining a career and being poor is a choice. These outcomes do not have to come to fruition. Life is about personal growth, development and progress. The choice is up to you. There are always other options. There is always a way. This is kind of like looking on the bright side of things. It will make it easier for you to come to terms with your emotions.

4. Love And Accept Your Emotions

Understand that the good cannot exist without the bad, Welcome these negative emotions with open arms. You are human and you reserve the right to experience and express any emotion.

Remember that what you are feeling is only a temporary state. I hope these suggestions help you to make room for infinite happiness.

Hope this helps.

Ang

A Morning Routine That Eases Anxiety

Have you ever been woken from your sleep to anxiety? I have. This morning, actually. What a great start to your day. Yes, that was most definitely sarcasm.

I was off the past 3 days. I woke up before my alarm clock eager to start my day. I wrote, danced, played, and spent time with friends and family. It was pure bliss.

Then I woke up Monday morning with a racing heart, knots in my stomach, and a tightness in my chest. I had to go back to work. Now, don't get my wrong. I am not in a dead end job making minimum wage. I am so grateful for my job. But at the same time, it does not compare to spending time at home doing whatever you want. And don't get me started on those 12 hour shifts!

We all have to do things in life we rather not do. That's the reality for most people, whether it's temporary or not. With that being said, I have conjured a routine and habits so that these things do not take away from my happiness. I will share these with you. 

I usually don't work until later in the afternoon, so I do them in the morning when I wake up. I urge you to do the same. Make time. Make time for yourself. It's so important.

1. Show gratitude

Whether you're going to work or school. Maybe you love it, maybe you hate it. Show thanks. Not everyone is fortunate enough to do what you are doing.

2. Your situation is only temporary

You are not going to be in school forever and you don't need to work in your current job forever. If you are down because you want more out of your life, understand that your current situation is only temporary and that it is guiding you to where you need to be. 

3. Meditate 

I meditate for about 20 minutes. This helps bring me back to the present moment as opposed to focusing on something that hasn't occurred yet (such as my 12 hour shift tomorrow). 

4. Eat well

What is healthy for me may not be healthy for you. But taking the time to prepare a healthy meal is a great way to make yourself a priority. Plus, it gives the proper fuel for the day and so much more. Eat and eat well!

5. Find something to look forward to

This can be yoga, art, sports, or more meditating. I would stay away from media (television, Facebook) and stay within the realm of creativity. This will give you sense of purpose and achievement. Who wouldn't look forward to that after a day of work?

If your current situation gives you anxiety or causes you to feel down, know that you are not alone. 

I hope that these suggestions inspire you and help motivate you. I also challenge you to get creative and incorporate some of your own tips! 

Sending positive vibes your way,

Ang