If I scanned my body, bit by bit, “for pain, tension, or anything out of the ordinary," it would take all day and I'd have to withdraw from society. Which would greatly reduce my anxiety.
You just described ‘Generalised Anxiety’ which is a most unpleasant condition that can be triggered easily. Jordan Peterson said that there is no difference between thinking about yourself and being miserable.
Mindfulness is keeping your mind focused on yourself and trying desperately to monitor your thinking and responses by sheer willpower. This is not the solution.
The only way free from genuine ‘generalised anxiety’ is prayer.
It’s trusting in Jesus, and knowing He loves you and cares about you and trusting Him with all your worries and cares, which replaces the generalised anxiety. Then you do your part and do the best you can do.
A very thoughtful and honest post, Philip. I read it twice and wondered about the difference between general anxiety, as an accompaniment to living (I have a couple of friends who feel anxious all the time) and anxiety about a specific event or illness.
This is so spot on, for me at least. I suffer from anxiety, not the kind that stops me from living but enough that my brain is on high alert and my stomach is nearly always in knots. I have a few days a month when I can breathe easy. I’m always busy, trying to stay ahead of the bear. I’ve often thought about practising mindfulness but I need structure to do it properly and so I put if off. Doctors have offered little relief, sometimes making discriminating or unhelpful remarks because of my gender and weight issues or shove meds that only make me feel dull and numb. Your article has me seriously considering moving forward to seeking such a remedy. I crave relief.
If I scanned my body, bit by bit, “for pain, tension, or anything out of the ordinary," it would take all day and I'd have to withdraw from society. Which would greatly reduce my anxiety.
You just described ‘Generalised Anxiety’ which is a most unpleasant condition that can be triggered easily. Jordan Peterson said that there is no difference between thinking about yourself and being miserable.
Mindfulness is keeping your mind focused on yourself and trying desperately to monitor your thinking and responses by sheer willpower. This is not the solution.
The only way free from genuine ‘generalised anxiety’ is prayer.
It’s trusting in Jesus, and knowing He loves you and cares about you and trusting Him with all your worries and cares, which replaces the generalised anxiety. Then you do your part and do the best you can do.
A very thoughtful and honest post, Philip. I read it twice and wondered about the difference between general anxiety, as an accompaniment to living (I have a couple of friends who feel anxious all the time) and anxiety about a specific event or illness.
This is so spot on, for me at least. I suffer from anxiety, not the kind that stops me from living but enough that my brain is on high alert and my stomach is nearly always in knots. I have a few days a month when I can breathe easy. I’m always busy, trying to stay ahead of the bear. I’ve often thought about practising mindfulness but I need structure to do it properly and so I put if off. Doctors have offered little relief, sometimes making discriminating or unhelpful remarks because of my gender and weight issues or shove meds that only make me feel dull and numb. Your article has me seriously considering moving forward to seeking such a remedy. I crave relief.
.. i’m curious in toronto.. & highly informed re Anxiety .. from the DSM 4 & 5 .. & personal experience .. have never suffered from Anxiety .. 🏴☠️🦎