Anxiety
A gentle way to work with anxious thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is the mind and body preparing for something uncertain. It often shows up as fast thinking, tension, and a sense of urgency. It can feel overwhelming, but it is a natural response.
Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety immediately, this approach invites you to meet it with awareness and steadiness.
Anxiety is not something you need to fight. It is something you can learn to meet.
Common Signs of Anxiety
- racing thoughts
- tight chest or shallow breathing
- restlessness or inability to sit still
- feeling on edge
- difficulty concentrating
A Gentle Approach to Anxiety
1. Ground with the Breath
Begin with Coming Home to the Breath.
2. Notice What Is Happening
Use Noting: thinking is here, tightness is here.
3. Stay Gently
Allow the experience using Abiding.
4. Add Kindness
Bring in Blessing: this can be held.
A Simple Practice for Anxiety
Breathing is here. Thinking is here. Anxiety is here. I can stay with this for one breath.
You Do Not Need to Fix Anxiety
The goal is not to make anxiety disappear right away. The goal is to relate to it differently.
Even small moments of awareness can soften its intensity.
If Anxiety Feels Too Strong
Start very simply. Use Noting Is Enough or return to the Breath.