11/02/2024
Anxiety: A mental trap. We all experience it from time to time, but there are times it can seem to take control of our lives. So then, how do we minimize the stress of anxiety.
You might find that when you approach your anxiety with a non-defensive mindset, it gradually begins to ease without requiring any active effort from you. It may take some time, but it will happen. Remember that, in the short term, you'll still experience anxiety whether you try to eliminate it or not. This is where the idea of befriending your anxiety becomes important.
You might wonder, "Why would I want to befriend something I want to get rid of?"
It may sound strange, but consider this: your subconscious mind is primarily focused on protecting you. If you’ve had a negative experience, like a car accident, your subconscious links all related experiences—cars, highways, etc.—to that trauma. So when you find yourself in those situations, your mind may react with a loud “danger!” signal, triggering anxiety because it believes it's keeping you safe. Unfortunately, this can lead to an overwhelming focus on the past incident.
With anxiety, the things we dwell on can become persistent sources of discomfort. This is where the practice of befriending those anxious thoughts comes in. Approach them with compassion and understanding, just as you would with a close friend. Comfort those thoughts and gently remind them that you understand their fears, but that everything is going to be okay. Reassure them that that experience was in the past, and together, you can take small steps forward—like driving just a short distance on the highway to start with.
When your anxiety feels that you're not trying to push it away but are creating a safe, healthy space for it, you'll both start to feel more at ease. Over time, you'll notice the anxiety becoming less intense, and your subconscious may begin to replace those fearful thoughts with positive memories and affirmations.
This process takes time, but with patience, you'll find you have more control over your anxiety. Your subconscious will feel safer as you nurture it with positivity, grace, and compassion. By feeding yourself these uplifting thoughts, you'll see seeds of confidence, strength, and a “I can do this!” attitude begin to flourish.
Remember, an attitude of gratitude is one of the most powerful antidotes to anxiety.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
