Understanding Why Anxiety Can Be a Friend to You
Written on
Chapter 1: The Nature of Anxious Feelings
Think back to the last time you experienced anxiety. Perhaps it was before a meeting, an interview, or even while you were out shopping or preparing to drive. You might recall that unsettling "oh no" sensation, a tightness in your body, or a sinking feeling in your stomach. It often feels like déjà vu, accompanied by a sense of hopelessness about your emotions.
Traditionally, we attribute anxious feelings to various external influences: stress, situations, past traumas, relationships, or even that reckless driver on the road. We often try to manage these external pressures through activities like meditation, taking walks, or confiding in a friend.
But what if there’s a deeper aspect to anxiety that we tend to overlook? What if our understanding of anxiety needs to shift from external to internal factors?
Section 1.1: The Internal Source of Anxiety
Instead of solely focusing on outside influences, consider that our feelings of anxiety may actually originate from within us. We experience life not through an objective lens, but rather through our own unique perspective. Our thoughts shape our emotional responses, which can transform dramatically from moment to moment.
What many don't realize is the profound influence of Thought in our lives. This isn’t just any thought; it’s the force that connects us to our emotional experiences.
Subsection 1.1.1: How Thoughts Shape Our Experiences
Our emotional state is not dictated by our life circumstances or past decisions but rather by our current thoughts about those situations. If we remain unaware of this reality, we might misattribute our feelings to external events instead of recognizing that they stem from our own thinking.
For instance, when a friend or colleague makes an offhand comment that unsettles us, it’s easy to believe that their words are the source of our anxiety. However, it’s essential to realize that our anxiety arises from our interpretation of their words.
Section 1.2: The Role of Mood in Perception
Our emotional state significantly impacts how we process information. When we’re in a lower mood, we’re more likely to take negative comments to heart, feeling more insecure and fearful. Conversely, when we’re at peace, we interpret those same words differently.
Chapter 2: Embracing Anxious Feelings as a Guide
In the video "Anxiety Is Your Friend," the speaker discusses how anxiety can serve as a valuable ally rather than a foe. Understanding this perspective can help us navigate our feelings more effectively.
Additionally, in "Making Anxiety your Best Fallible Friend!" by Victoria Bristow, viewers learn how to reframe their relationship with anxiety, seeing it as a companion that prompts self-reflection and growth.
Anxious feelings, instead of being obstacles, can act as alerts that signal when our thinking may have gone off course. They serve as reminders that we might need to pause, breathe, and allow our thoughts to settle before reacting impulsively.
Anxiety should not be viewed as a problem to solve, but rather as a guide, illuminating our mental state and encouraging us to recognize when our thoughts might be leading us astray.
In summary:
- Our experiences are shaped from the inside out, influenced by our thoughts.
- We perceive life not as it is, but as we are—through our own lens.
- A low mood can skew our perception of reality, making certain thoughts feel more daunting than they truly are.
- We can let go of the weight of our thoughts, knowing they are fluid and don’t define us.
- Anxious feelings can serve as our internal compass, reminding us to take a moment to allow our thoughts to settle rather than letting them control us.
Thank you for reading! Your feedback is always welcome.