Counterintuitive #1

The best way to make anxiety worse is to try to not feel anxious. Maybe you've tried this already? Anxious thoughts--try not to have them. Anxious physical sensations--try to feel differently. Memories--try to block them. Worst-case scenario predictions--try to argue them away... Have you noticed that these efforts, as reasonable as they might seem, tend to make anxiety even worse? And maybe you have noticed that the mind tends to take on these projects as a matter of course, by habit? I was about to say let's try something different, but I caught myself. Good. Let's just notice. Odd as it may seem. Being aware that you are having thoughts, feelings, memories and urges is different from them having you. That's a start. Tune in for more Counterintuitive at www.charlielaurel.com