When we shift our inner narrative about anxiety,
We reclaim our power to transform it into a source of growth and self-discovery.
Welcome to this series of meditation tracks.
In this series I aim to talk about anxiety in a different way and create space for insight and reflection for you so that you can see something new about your anxious thoughts.
Believe me,
I understand how debilitating anxiety can be and I want you to know that there is a way through as anxious thoughts are not you but they are happening to you.
Make yourself a little more comfortable,
Leave everything behind,
Let go of expectations,
Let go of judgment and allow yourself the gift of these few minutes together.
If you feel comfortable to do so,
Close your eyes or lower your gaze and allow your breathing to settle into a deep rhythmic pattern.
There's nothing to attend to,
Nothing to do,
Nowhere to be.
I invite you to listen to today's quote again and see what it means to you.
When we shift our inner narrative about anxiety,
We reclaim our power to transform it into a source of growth and self-discovery.
Take a moment to let this quote sink in.
Allow the words to flow through you,
Embracing their meaning and potential.
Imagine the words gently wrapping around your mind,
Inviting you to explore their depth.
What does this quote mean to you?
Reflect on the idea of shifting your inner narrative about anxiety.
How does this concept resonate with you?
Consider the times when your inner voice has been critical or fearful.
What would it be like to change that narrative to one of understanding and growth?
How do you feel as you consider this?
Tune into your body and emotions.
Are there any particular sensations or feelings that arise as you contemplate the possibility of transforming anxiety?
Notice without judgment if there's a sense of relief or hope or even some resistance.
Where in your life is this quote true?
Think about moments when you've already experienced a shift in your perspective about anxiety.
Perhaps there have been times when you've managed to turn anxiety into a learning experience or a stepping stone for personal growth.
What resistance do you have?
Notice any hesitations or doubts that come up when you consider changing your narrative about anxiety.
Acknowledge these feelings without judgment.
What might be holding you back from embracing this shift fully?
Is it fear of the unknown or perhaps a deeply ingrained habit of self-criticism?
If it pleases you,
Take some time to journal your thoughts and reflections.
Writing can be a powerful tool for allowing your emotions space.
Otherwise,
Just continue to listen to the music and relax your mind.
I'll give you some time to do this.
I'd love to share a personal story to illustrate this.
I'd love to share a personal story to illustrate how it is our inner narrative that creates anxiety rather than the situation or circumstances.
For quite a few years,
I ran programs in the UK prisons.
It had come to me that I wanted to do this work.
It wasn't something that I'd made up my mind about doing or that I had always worked towards.
It was just something that came to me.
And then after months of training and getting prepared and working out how all the systems worked,
I was finally left on my own outside one of the blocks.
I was allowed to leave the prison on my own because I already had all the keys.
Nobody else was around.
All the men were locked up.
And it was about a five-minute walk from where I was to the gatehouse.
A flush of anxiety spread through me.
I felt scared.
I felt exposed.
And I ran.
I ran to the next gate,
Unlocked it and locked it behind me and ran to the next gate,
Unlocked it and locked it behind me and ran to the next gate.
And while I was running and feeling anxious,
A thought occurred to me,
What are you running from?
All the men were locked up,
So nothing was going to happen to me.
Plus,
This is a place where I wanted to work,
Where I felt I could really serve.
What was I running from?
I realized afterwards that my life was going to change.
What was I running from?
I realized afterwards that my thoughts had created anxious feelings.
That in that moment,
Those anxious feelings and thoughts overwhelmed me.
Wiped out any common sense.
Wiped out anything that I was there to do and drove me into the fight or flight response.
And that that is often happening.
And all I need to do is recognize that it's anxious thinking in the moment.
And it may not be telling me that I need to fight or flight.
It also let me see that I can pop out of it just as quickly.
I invite you to take a moment now to reflect on your own experiences.
Do you see the quote differently after considering my story?
How might your narrative about anxiety change if you viewed it as a source of growth and self-discovery?
Imagine the possibilities that could unfold if you welcomed anxiety as a guide rather than a foe.
Don't worry if you can't see anything new right now.
You've already opened your mind to new possibilities.
Insight will follow in its own time.
For a more in-depth exploration,
I invite you to check out the playlist in my profile called Anxiety.
And you might also find a link to my blog.
I invite you to check out the playlist in my profile called Anxiety.
And you might enjoy the course,
How to Make Decisions You Can Trust.
As it provides practical strategies and insights to help you develop decision-making skills that you can rely on,
Fostering confidence and clarity in your daily life.
As we conclude this meditation,
Understanding the internal nature of anxiety can be a powerful step towards finding peace.
Allow your narrative to change and may you carry this calmness with you throughout the day.
Lots of love.
