Anxiety - gangster compassion

 A few years ago we were talking about anxiety on the MSc Mindfulness and Compassion course, and one of the students said gangster compassion was the answer. He was absolutely right, for me, overcoming anxiety has been a process of compassion, meditation, support and not giving in to it.


Anxiety is so sneaky, it creeps in and before we know it, we feel at its mercy. There are many ways of overcoming patterns of thought but I have found compassion is like a key in the lock. Its no quick fix but produces long term benefits. When the thoughts start, take your attention to the felt sense, the sensations in the body. Immediately this releases you from the mind and takes you to the source of the tension in the body. By breathing into the sensations and placing a hand on the heart you are activating a soothing and reassuring response for the body. Out of the head and into the heart. Really pay attention to the warmth from your hand.

There are many heart based practices and compassion meditations that will support the transition away from anxious thinking. Changing anxiety from being your default mode is completely possible, but commitment is important. Daily engagement, just 10 minutes, will bring about rewarding results. The practices start to support the flow of feelings without blocking them. Blocks can occur for example when labelling feelings as good or bad. You can become more able to hold your own space. Becoming curious about your feelings rather than fearful of them.

Other ways that might help include committing to practices and routines that are good for your wellbeing. Eating well, exercising and spending as much time in nature as possible. Start to listen to your needs, and making plans on how you will meet them. Allow yourself time to heal and overcome obstacles, don't put pressure on yourself.

With a landscape of compassion and curiosity as the backdrop in your mind the world will start to look very different. x

You can access my recorded meditations here https://www.patreon.com/drlizsparkes

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