724: Living well with an anxious mind
This week on Anxiety Slayer, we’re talking about something we get asked a lot, how to live well when anxious thoughts are breaking in to our mind.
Notes from this week’s episode:
Practice ignoring unwelcome thoughts
Fighting makes them worse, and believing them definitely makes things worse.
We suffer more when we believe the mind’s propaganda and we see its story as fact.
Being neutral helps.
The power of “maybe” and “Interesting Point of View”
Try labelling your thoughts without emotional engagement. Use simple labels like thought, or worry. But don’t get into details, keep it brief and simple.
Ananga: “I’ll tell myself this is just my mind.” With practice I can see it. The challenge is when we identify with our mind. We think it’s us and we think its thoughts are true. I’ve learned the places where my mind breaks in and where to be careful.
Shann: When I notice my mind taking over I do my best to reset by changing my surrounding or or by having an internal dialogue with my mind - that this loop of fear-based thinking is not helpful.
Come back to WHAT YOU’RE DOING with greater attention
When unwanted thoughts break in come back to what you’re doing with focus
You might be cooking, or working, driving - whatever it is get curious about it, bring your attention there
“I’m just doing this”
Fleeting thoughts
Try thinking of your thoughts as temporary and changing like the weather. Imagine your thoughts floating by like clouds in the sky.
Thoughts stay longer and gain strength when we engage with them
And - not but
The coexistence of joy, gratitude, connection, inspiration… and anxiety.
Anxiety can feel loud and act like a bully.
Inviting as much good as we can into our minds will help it fade back and become a quieter voice.
Know what helps you find some peace and joy
And make a commitment to doing it often.
For support with starting a daily calming practice, you can join our popular online course, Small Steps to Big Change which is available on our Patreon along with over 200 guided relaxations, Tapping Sessions and classes to help you slay your anxiety.