Anxiety can feel like it shows up out of nowhere,
Quickly becoming overwhelming and separating us from the present moment.
With practice though,
We can become more attuned to the triggers for our anxiety and even make space to hear its message without fear.
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Start by taking a deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Again,
In through the nose and out through the mouth.
Now allow your breath to flow naturally in through your nose and out through your nose without forcing it into any kind of pattern.
Allow your body to settle in to this space and this moment.
If you find that you have been anxious about a specific situation,
Take a moment to connect with that situation just enough to allow your anxiety to show up.
If you tend to feel anxious without any recognizable cause,
Gently invite your anxiety in by bringing to mind the physical sensations associated with it.
Maybe increased heart rate,
Racing thoughts,
Tension in your body.
See if you can make room for these sensations.
Without judgment,
Without tensing up around the experience of anxiety.
When you have fully connected with the experience of anxiety,
Set your intention to listen to this uncomfortable feeling.
Opening your heart,
Engaging your wise mind to hear the really necessary message that your anxiety may be trying to communicate.
Take a few moments to be in this open,
Willing space with your anxiety.
Returning to the breath whenever you find yourself getting too caught up in the story.
Keeping your heart open and soft,
Compassionate and receptive to whatever your anxiety is trying to tell you.
Perhaps it is trying to help you become aware of how hard you are on yourself.
Maybe your anxiety is trying to get you to be still rather than react or make a change right now.
Know that you possess all the wisdom and all the space necessary to be with your anxiety effectively.
To allow this feeling to work for you,
For your growth.
Take these next moments to continue to hold the space for the important message your anxiety is trying to communicate.
