embracing anxiety
“Anxiety is sometimes the result of ignoring yourself” – Britt Frank.
I am currently reading Britt Frank’s “The Science of Stuck,” and the first chapter reads: Anxiety is a Superpower; without it, we stay stuck.
I was immediately intrigued by this new wild way of approaching the thought of anxiety.
We all experience anxiety in our lives. We feel anxious about work meetings, what people think of us, social engagements, and so forth. The list is long. And for everyone, this list is different. The experience of occasional anxiety is typical in our lives. But for some, more severe anxiety (classified as a range of anxiety disorders by the DSM-5) can be physically debilitating and interfere with your ability to function.
In the chapter, Britt Frank lays out that anxiety is a physical cue of our body that we are out of alignment with external safety and/or our internal truths.
Anxiety is not an emotion but a series of body sensations. Therefore, anxiety does not attack us; it’s trying to help us understand and acknowledge that we need to address the underlying issue of our discomfort. Anxiety is a stress response.
Our brain is wired for survival, and anxiety is a warning cue that we are in danger. We feel unsafe, and our brain is trying to evaluate the “why.”
Anxiety does not need to be “fixed”; it needs to be understood. Being honest with oneself and diving into your mind takes courage and strength. It is courageous to listen to the message of your anxiety.
Instead of judging ourselves and thinking, “What is wrong with me?” we need to dig further and explore the question of “Why am I experiencing this anxiety?” (What is wrong within me?)
“Mental Health is a commitment to reality at all costs” – M. Scott Peck.
I truly enjoyed all the deep and informative insights about anxiety and its origins. Society deems physical health more important and acceptable than our mental health. Still, without a strong presence and connection with ourselves, we are stuck. We are doing “just fine.” And as we all know, “fine” is just a synonym for “hot mess.”
When we embrace our inner truths and see anxiety as an invitation to uncover what is bothering us, we simultaneously align our inner truths with our authentic selves.
Why do we feel anxious in social gatherings? Why do we experience meltdowns and panic attacks? What is the underlying cause of our emotional distress?
We often undermine the effects our social lives have on us.
A toxic work culture can trigger our anxiety because deep inside, we know we don’t feel safe. We don’t feel seen, heard, or appreciated. These feelings are invitations for you to shine a spotlight on certain aspects of your life.
“Anxiety is the symptom of the problem – not the problem itself.”
Developing mental strength should be equally as important as developing our physical strength. By becoming mentally more resilient and in tune with our emotions, we foster our self-connection and intuition.
How can we get started?
Remember a moment when you felt anxious and ask yourself where this anxiety stems from. Be honest with yourself. It takes courage to find your inner truths.
Remind yourself that all feelings are okay. You are not “supposed” to feel a certain way. Your emotions are all to be felt and experienced.
Don’t judge and shame yourself. Be kind to yourself. Show yourself the compassion you show others.
Seek help if you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and experiences. Trauma memories can unfold at any time. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
If you feel stuck and overwhelmed in your current Career and Life Path, let’s talk. This is your invitation to get unstuck and explore your growth potential.
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