Stress, Anxiety, and Unhappiness

 

"Remember that stress, anxiety and unhappiness does not

come from what is happening in the world, but from our

thoughts about what is going on."

Tao and Zen

It is time to unpack the causes for my clenched stomach, stiff neck, and monkey chatter brain. My thoughts of fear and lack of control are seeping into physical symptoms. I am challenged by inability to face the violence in the world, hoping that if I stay perfectly still, all will be well. 

It is hard to accept that I do not have control in the happenings of the world, but I do have control as to how I react to them. If I choose to turn off the news, skip hateful posts, and restrict time spent with those who do not stimulate me, my personal power tends to expand. When outside forces appear, I can choose to be safe in my quiet space within.

Holding myself accountable, when I am ______ (fill in the blank), I have the ability to make corrective responses. Acknowledging my inadequacies, I can shift focus as to how I can gain  corrective measures and release my fears. It is said that we are what we eat, so perhaps it is also true that we are what we think.

Core of Simplicity

"See simplicity in the complicated.

Achieve greatness in little things."

Tao Te Ching

Some individuals view having tea as a ritual. They have a special tea pot with matching tea cups and collections of loose leaf teas. A lighted candle ads to the sense of sacred. No matter what time of the day this practice is used, it quiets the mind and rests the soul. There are no intentions for accomplishment and nothing to fail.

Tea time, perhaps, gives us permission to sit and be still. It is a way to experience stillness without having to defend our pause in time. During this slower pace, there is no sense of overwhelm from chaotic agendas. As we gently sit, the simple things attract our attention. In a moment's pause, we may find ourselves thinking, "I've never thought of that before."

Life is so much the same. When we reduce complicated chaos to minor elements, a simple resolution may be patiently waiting. We extrapolate situations by fear, people pleasing, and over load. It is when we quietly sit, sipping tea, we can slowly gain awareness of what is at the core of our anxiety. Answers can be unveiled in the core of simplicity.