I have found understanding how anxiety "works" is a key component in dealing with it. Once we understand it, we are able to "deal" with it effectively. And we are also better able to be compassionate toward ourselves and others.
Here's how I understand the anxiety. 1. Trigger Something (situation) or someone (person) outside our control provokes us. What or who provokes us is the "trigger". I use quotes around the word trigger because when we dive deeper into our subconscious we realize the trigger is actually a belief that no longer serves us. More on that another time! Let's take an example of a trigger: Example: Family Gathering In this case both the gathering (something/situation) and family (someone/person/people) may be at play. Even before we get to the gathering, we start to feel anxiety in the present. Our thoughts and emotions start gaining (usually negative) momentum as we project into the "future" what we "think" will happen based on the "past". Why does this happen (write this one down!)? The mind doesn't know the difference between a real event happening now, or an imagined event, either past or future. Once we are "triggered", what happens next? 2. Behavior - Mental & Emotional We may feel contracted, jittery, confused, angry, fearful, overall, not good! These emotions feed our thoughts. We think things such as, "this is going to be miserable", "I don't want to see this person", etc, etc. We get ourselves all worked up because the thoughts we are having in the present, about the past, we are now projecting into the future. These negative/catastrophic type thoughts that are rooted in past experience cause us to think the future experience will be the same. These thoughts continue to feed our feelings and voila, we are officially in the anxiety loop. There's "nowhere" to go when we are in this loop except deeper down the rabbit hole. We may act out by not going to the gathering at all (avoiding behavior) or create drama (attacking behavior) leading up to or even at the gathering. Note: Other avoidance behaviors include abusing alcohol & drugs, smoking, overworking, overeating, etc. Why do we do this to our self? Wouldn't it make sense to simply learn healthy and effective ways to deal with our "triggers"? Yes! However, until we rewire our brain, the trigger elicits a behavior that feels like a reward/payoff. 3. Payoff In this case of the family gathering, if we take the avoidance track, the "payoff" can be anything from making others wrong, now we are victims -- to the attacking track with a payoff of we are right and defending our point of view. There are many more variations of this and our payoffs. That said, usually the payoff is connected to being right, looking good, staying comfortable, and being in control (AKA Ego). Once again I use quotes around the word payoff because in truth it isn't a true reward. We still haven't faced the root of the anxiety. We have merely put a band aid on it. Is this starting to sound familiar? Now what? Learn how to deal with the anxiety "trigger". Keep in mind "trigger" can also be our thoughts about the never ending to do lists at home, at work...in life as well as comparing ourselves to others. Our triggers vary and are many! How to Deal: 1. Presence / Awareness I use the words presence and awareness interchangeably. For me these words means being aware of what is happening in the present moment without resistance or judgment. Meaning, we accept what we are thinking and feeling, even if we don't like it. We are observing our experience. Until we are aware of and accept this anxiety loop, nothing will change. Once the energy of resistance and judgment is freed up, we consciously choose to focus our attention on dealing with the anxiety loop. The trigger is there, at least for now. Accept it. Now it's time to re-evaluate the payoff. Is it really a payoff? 2. Reassess Ask yourself if avoiding or attacking behavior is really what feels good? Is that how you want to live? Avoiding or attacking? Perhaps there is a better way. Ask yourself if you can be absolutely sure, meaning 100% sure the payoffs are working for you. Spoiler alert: it's likely these payoffs are also directing other areas of your life. If you can find even a .00000001% chance that there is a better way keep reading. 3. Redirect Even a sliver of possibility that there is a better way to manage the anxiety loop is an incredible start. Good for you! Acknowledge yourself for that. In this step you get to redirect your attention on things such as observing your experience, being compassionate with yourself (and others!) and changing your relationship with those payoffs. Meaning, you realize they are not in fact payoffs. In truth these "payoffs" actually keep you trapped in the trigger and therefore the anxiety loop. If you resonate with this, and would like additional support on any of the above, please reach out. I am passionate about showing people how to experience more health, happiness, and freedom to live the life of their dreams. Peaceful, prospering, connected...thriving. Thanks for "listening". We go this! Stephanie >>>Email me here. >>>Book an energy session to clear it! Emptying Your Cup
When we are full, we are unable to receive. Energy healing helps us empty our cup of what we don't want to make space for what we do want. When we are full with beliefs, behaviors, and habits that aren't bringing us joy, peace, love, and abundance, it's time to empty. When we empty, we are available to receive. Ready empty? Awesome! Book an energy session with Stephanie>>> The first step to getting anything we want in life is getting clear.
Yet many of us lack clarity. Why? Many reasons. Usually deep down there is a fear about "facing" something. This fear can range from the truth of a situation...our feelings...even fear of being worthy! Often once we get clarity, we resist change. Why? Change is uncomfortable. To be honest, change can also be short term. You know the saying-- if we continue to do what we have always done, we will continue to have what we have. When we truly want something, we need to TRANSFORM. Meaning, there is no going back! Old negative / fear based habits/patterns/beliefs have to "die" to allow new positive / prosperous ones to emerge. One of the most powerful practices I use to get clarity and start the process of transformation is shamanic energy healing. Why? Three Reasons. 1. We all experience life transitions. These include endings: death, divorce, job loss and new beginnings such as new job, relationships, situations. Whenever we are faced with change and "unknown" we can feel confusion, disconnection, depression...to name a few. For those looking for a healthy, conscious way to get clarity and move forward, shamanic practices help us do that, 2. Shamanism gives us powerful positive tools to navigate these transitions. We shed and heal the past, empower the present and set intentions for our future. 3. Shamanism is considered to be one of the most ancient forms of healing practiced by humans worldwide. It is not a religion. It is a way of being- living in harmony with nature and working with the natural forces of life to restore balance. Think Law of Least Effort. Since life is always changing, the ability to use practices that bring us back into harmony with our-self and the world around us is not only effective, it is healing in itself. Who will benefit from shamanic energy healing? People who are ready to release the past and embrace life transitions with presence in a positive, loving, peaceful, and empowering way. What type of healing sessions are offered? >>>Learn More Here When approached with an open mind, Reiki & Shamanic Energy Healing are highly effective ways of making the unconscious conscious --and healing deeply rooted trauma that we cannot always get to in talk therapy.
Energy healing sessions allow us to target the root cause of anxiety and panic attacks, heal wounds that we are not consciously aware of, and release core beliefs and experiences stored in the body or the subconscious mind (feeling mind). The techniques used during an energy healing session are designed to switch the nervous system out of “fight –flight-freeze” mode into a state of deep relaxation, allowing for both short-term and long-term relief of stress and anxiety. In addition, what we learn during a session can help us re-align our conscious mind (thinking mind) toward what we want to create in our life. Isn't that why we are here?! Since life is always changing, the ability to use practices that bring us back into harmony with our-self and the world around us is not only effective, it is healing in itself. Energy healing sessions are great for those who are ready to clear blocks, negativity, and /trauma in order to embrace life with presence -- in a positive, loving, peaceful, and empowering way. Sessions offered by Stephanie (in person or virtual) >>>Learn More Release Tension Inside Out
Many ways to do it... Bodywork: Often we don't realize how much tension our bodies hold... until that tension isn't there anymore! Through various modalities like massage, cupping, and stretching, we're able to begin to release some of that stagnant energy that manifests as physical tension in the body. Energy Work: The techniques used during an energy healing session are designed to switch the nervous system out of “fight –flight-freeze” mode into a state of deep relaxation, allowing for both short-term and long-term relief of stress and anxiety. In addition, what we learn during a session can help us re-align our conscious mind (thinking mind) toward what we want to create. Meditation: Focusing on the breath while opening the mind to allow and accept whatever arises sends messages of steadiness and balance to the emotions and nervous system. Over time we learn to put a space between what is happening and how we are "responding" (instead of reacting). >>>Learn More |
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