New Insights on Using Mantras to Alleviate Anxiety
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Chapter 1: My Journey with Anxiety
Recently, I began attending therapy, primarily because I felt trapped in my own thoughts. Initially, I wasn’t aware that this feeling was the root cause of my distress. Despite having worked through my trauma independently, I found myself consumed by incessant worries. My mind incessantly replayed scenarios that were often far from reality, leaving me exhausted and mentally drained.
My worries had become so habitual that I assumed they were a part of who I was. I mistakenly believed that my anxiety contributed positively to my life, fueling my quest for knowledge and understanding. However, I eventually recognized that my incessant thoughts were detrimental, even if I managed to function in daily life.
The constant state of worry took a toll on my body, manifesting stress and tension even when there was no real threat present. My default state was anything but restful. After starting therapy, I was diagnosed with general anxiety and some PTSD, with hyper-vigilance being my most prominent symptom. This term resonated with me, as it encapsulated the way my mind operated—always alert, yet paralyzed by fear.
As I navigated these feelings, I discovered that mantras and positive self-talk could significantly help in managing my hyper-vigilance.
> "Mantras are not just words; they are tools for transformation."
Section 1.1: The Triggering Move
When I relocated to Portland, I faced increased anxiety, particularly in urban environments. I often had to walk six blocks to work at 4 AM, and during those walks, my heart raced uncontrollably. In my early twenties, I felt pressured to "grow up," a notion that felt foreign to me even now in my thirties.
To distract myself from spiraling thoughts, I turned to movies and television. I stumbled upon a Bollywood film called 3 Idiots, which featured a song titled “Aal Izz Well.” The simple message—everything will be okay—became a mantra I recited to myself.
Shiva Mantra for Anxiety | Balance Your Emotions - YouTube This video delves into using mantras to balance emotions and alleviate anxiety, echoing the sentiment of finding peace through affirmations.
Section 1.2: A Shift in Perspective
Another mantra that resonated with me came from Glennon Doyle’s podcast, encouraging a shift from "what ifs" to "what is." This simple yet profound change in thinking drastically reduced the time I spent ruminating over intrusive thoughts.
Recently, I have embraced mantras like “All details take care of themselves” and “I bend and flow with ease.” These phrases help me manage my tendency to overthink, particularly in stressful situations.
Chapter 2: Discovering New Mantras
I stumbled upon these mantras while searching for hidden gems at a local goodwill bin. One book caught my eye, though I didn’t purchase it. It explored the connection between physical ailments and emotional struggles, offering mantras for positive change.
For example, it suggested that knee problems might symbolize stubbornness and fear, while toes represent attention to minor details. The insights were intriguing, and although I didn’t fully embrace the book’s premise, I recognized the importance of self-talk.
RELEASE FEAR ANXIETY AND STRESS MANTRA - YouTube This video guides viewers through mantras designed to combat fear, anxiety, and stress, reinforcing the concept of self-empowerment through affirmations.
With ongoing personal growth, the mantra “I bend and flow with ease” is beginning to resonate more deeply, prompting shifts in my mindset. While I’ve struggled with rigidity in my thoughts and fears, I am starting to believe that all is well and that I can adapt to life’s challenges.
As I continue this journey, I am learning to trust that the details will sort themselves out and that I can navigate life’s complexities with greater ease.