I am a strong advocate of sitting still and just thinking. We do precious little of this in our lives, what with all of the crazy distractions that can eat away at our precious mental energy. When I'm in a meditative space, with some free time, I'm open to thinking of the big things and the little things. I can think of what it is I want. I can think of what it is that I don't. I don't want ANXIETY. But wait, anxiety can be a good thing. Yes, I said it.
Thinking brings epiphanies for me. I had one recently and shared my thoughts about anxiety and this blog post with my son August. He pointed out to me the value of anxiety. First, my epiphany.
In 1997 Don Miguel Ruiz published his bestselling book, "The Four Agreements." They are:
- Be impeccable with your word.
- Don't take anything personally.
- Don't make assumptions.
- Always do your best.
Mr. Ruiz posits that we make scores of false and destructive agreements with ourselves. If you can identify these harmful agreements, and replace them in the context of The Four, you will be on a path to greater enlightenment and happiness. Personally, I discovered that whenever I feel anxious, it is because I am in violation of one of The Four. Mostly, I take things personally. This leads to making assumptions about another intent. This leads to resentment or escalation after destructive rumination. Realizing this, I can re-align myself by considering The Four, and recognizing where I am in misalignment. Over time, I get better at nipping it in the bud. The longer I practice this, I believe I will dig anxiety out by the roots.
Rather than a bad thing, anxiety is a good thing, says August. It's a warning that you are out of alignment. This is BRILLIANT.
Next time you are feeling anxious, remember The Four and measure yourself against them. Find misalignment. Change your mindset. Become better and enlightened by putting anxiety to bed.
