The challenge and meaning of anxiety

These are kinds of thoughts that were quite normal to me until a couple of years ago. I used to have this victim’s mind view, till recently when it was explained to me that there might be more to the anxiety and distress than I was initially led to believe.

Why we feel anxious

Our bodies have developed fear as a means of alerting us of something that has gone wrong. It’s a fear for survival, it’s a fear which enables us to overcome whatever holds us back and helps us survive. The down side isn’t the anxious thoughts but rather the thoughts that think more deeply about the anxiety that further drives us down the anxiety-hole. And that loop once manifested is a vicious cycle to break out of. Because of this it becomes important to be mindful of our circumstances in order to navigate this sea of anxiety.

Pros of Anxiety?

The second part goes thus, whatever is responsible for the negative associations we make about our weakened mental state might also be responsible for other areas of our lives where they come in particularly handy. In my case, it was the discovery of the fact that I’m overly analytical and pay attention to minor details when it comes to things that I find interesting or enjoy. I love doing research on topics of interest, to the point of obsession. This, as I found it the reverse side of my anxiety. Which makes my anxiety the application of my overtly analytical self but in an area where it isn’t particularly helpful or useful.

Making this discovery however, was a real breakthrough, as it allowed me to free myself of the victim mentality I’d unknowingly adopted. It also allowed me to reframe my “disability” as more of a consequence of my strengths. It allowed me to seek meditation as a means to help reframe my moments of intense anxiety and doubt. Ultimately, it helps me to be more mindful, and less stressed when these moments do come up.