A Meditation on Anxiety

I have been away from You Are Important Project for a few months because I had a whole string of major life events back-to-back. Some good, some exciting, some tragic. It’s been mostly positive but even with all this positive change can come negative emotions.

I started a new job and since then I have been so anxious. About everything. 

The anxiety blocked my creativity and drained my energy. I felt like I was coasting through life. Every day was so uncomfortable. Nearly every day of the week I wanted lock myself in a room and cry. I was riddled with fear.

Last week I got a random burst of energy. I came home after a workout and had a playful urge to go out for adventure. I went to a new grocery store up near my apartment. (Not quite an adventure you’d think of but lately running errands had felt so daunting.) I hadn’t wanted to go out and do anything extra. Upon entering the grocery store, I was so pleased with the new environment. I was focused and present. I had a blast exploring the isles, curiously examining the food selections. This may not sound like much, but it was the first time in a while I was enjoying the simplicity of life. I was feeling joyful and full of gratitude. It felt good.

Later that night, I sat down for a meditation. I had this thought of how I thought life would be if I could learn to tap into that focused, playful, joyful feeling when I was feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. Who would I be without all of the anxiety? What would my life look like? What would I be doing? I journaled about it after.

While writing it down, I started think that I must not be the only one that feels plagued by their anxiety. The world has been absolutely turned upside down this past year and has impacted everyone in some way to varying degrees. I thought I wanted to share some of the things I have learned throughout my journey of self-development with my community via You Are Important Project that has eased my anxious mind in times of life altering change. 

To be honest, I’m a little anxious sharing this. It’s vulnerable. However, I am moving past it with a greater purpose. A purpose that someone will relate and be able to implement some of the techniques and concepts I have learned. The foundation is meditation. This week, starting on May 17, I will be offering a meditation every night. Every teacher will bring their unique spin and approach. Additionally, each day there will be a post with a tip or concept aimed at connecting you to that joyful, focused state we all have inside of us. I hope one of them resonates with you.