Another important attitude is acceptance.
When we fight against anxious thoughts and sensations, we focus even more attention on them — and cause ourselves more suffering.
And when we’re desperately wishing them away, we’re continually comparing how we feel now with how we want to feel.
Again, that creates more suffering.
So what can we do?
We can practise acceptance.
But acceptance doesn’t mean passively accepting anxiety and doing nothing about it.
No. Acceptance is assertive.
It’s facing up to reality. It’s facing up to what is happening now.
At this moment, your brain has produced some anxiety.
And that’s okay.
Allow the thoughts and sensations to be there without fighting them.
You don’t have to like them.
You don’t have to want them.
You simply stop battling with them.
And remember: thoughts, feelings and sensations are a little like the weather.
They come. And they go.
They’ve always come and gone.
So rather than becoming attached to every anxious thought, become aware of it and allow it to pass.
Imagine watching your thoughts like birds moving across the sky.
You see them — but you don’t have to follow them.
Think about a night when you’ve desperately tried to get to sleep.
The harder you try, the more awake you become.
And then eventually you think:
“Okay. I’ll sleep when I’m ready.”
Something changes.
You’ve stopped battling with and following your thoughts.
And very often, that’s when sleep comes naturally.
Anxiety can be similar.
Sometimes the harder we try to make ourselves feel different, the more we struggle.
When we stop fighting and allow our thoughts, feelings and sensations to be there, we remove that extra layer of suffering.
Accept what is here now — and allow it to change in its own time.
Next – A mantra for overcoming anxiety – click here
Important Principle – – – Attitude – – – Focus Attitude
Present Moment – – – – Acceptance – – It’s Not Me
No Matter What – – – Little Steps – – Persistence