Wrestling Anxiety Part 1

When I’m in a wrestle with anxiety and I want to experience peace and clarity, there are several things I can do. One of the most effective for me is taking myself on a walk where I notice the natural environment around me. I immerse myself in what I am seeing, hearing and touching. 

Today I did this by focussing on all the different leaves from the different plants and trees along the walk. I touched them and categorized them in my mind. “This one is soft and textured, this one is smooth and shiny, this one is rubbery, this one is like plastic.” I took note of the textures and shapes I was drawn to more than others. It felt good for my soul to be curious and explore by following my own interests. 

As I did this my nervous system began to regulate and I felt calm. My thoughts started to sound peaceful and clear. Every now and again an anxious thought would pop into my mind, and I would say “oh I don’t need to use up my beautiful time thinking about that. That’s not even on my paper.” This would bring me back into the present and help me stay focused on what I was sensing in my environment.