Looking forward to reading the Tao of Anxiety. You have a great ability to explain concepts in such a relatable form. I loved todays episode, something clicked. There is no need to know the answers/seek certainty. We are here ‘to be’
Deep, profound, loved it! It’s like there’s two versions of me… the one who one day, on practically a whim said, I’m packing up my flat in country NSW Australia and going to live/work in London. Having only ever left Aust shores once and barely knowing a soul in London. And doing it all on my own with only a sense of excited anticipation and adventure. Versus the version of me that can’t speak in a voice-only Skype meeting due to my heart pumping so hard I can’t breathe and my brain shutting down in ‘freeze’ mode, because I have to speak in front of a virtual-only, small group of colleagues. So it’s there buried inside of me… this throwing caution to the wind and embracing the unknown with freedom & faith - just wish my amygdala would get consistent! (Susan Jeffers’ wonderful book ‘Embracing Uncertainty’ also beautifully articulates this concept).
Guilty, guilty, guilty. Trying to solve the unsolvable. What if this happens…what if that happens. Oh my, oh no, …. I can’t handle THAT. Here I go, first class ticket down the rabbit hole. Exhausting. !!!
These concepts are important for any one of any faith. Leaving things in God’s hands is the same idea. And such is life, not knowing is guaranteed especially if you face any health related decision. Will the treatment work? 80% of people respond favorably to this treatment. Are there any risks of complications? 80% of people had no adverse complications. Some people respond “Alright, Those are good odds!” Others respond, “20% chance of failure!! Oh no!” Working on changing my own narrative on this type of thinking. And while 100% certainty is not possible, changing bad thinking habits is. And it is freeing!
One more note to say today relates to an episode from earlier this week on the whole chemical imbalance issue. I had the pleasure of listening to Dr Caroline Leaf’s podcast (episode #413) today. She interviewed Robert Whitaker who states that the psychiatric establishment knew this whole imbalance theory was NOT backed by research since at least 1984 if not sooner. If people on social media that provide anxiety counseling for enormous fees riles you up, Drew, I would think this would even more so. Have they helped some? Yes. But lies to people who are desperate to get back to living is never acceptable. The truth is that meds with therapy works far better because it helps people believe in their own recovery. If you’re given a pill and believe it is because you have a chemical imbalance how can you ever believe you can recover and live your life? It really is taking advantage of people.
So much wisdom here. I concur 100%. Each time I've been able to let go of control, perfectionism, reasons, explanations, creating mental safety "hooks," I've lived so much better, in a more relaxed state and feeling stronger. I've seen this quality in people all my life and marveled over how lucky they were. It's a feeling of inner peace, strength and liberation. I recall many years ago feeling this way and actually asking anxiety to come and get me. Hahahaha.
The need to know hmmmm 🤔. Guilty! I need to know everything. I often think if I just knew why or if I just knew how then I would understand and peace would surround me once again. Why did my husband get cancer? Who can ever answer that question, really? I need to work on not finding answers but allowing myself to feel what I need to regarding issues and stop fighting myself to figure out why because in the end does it really matter why? Love you Big Guy.
I'm sorry about your husband, Renay. I wish you both strength, peace and health. I do help he recovers fully. Good piece of reading for you today. Sending healthy vibes to you both.
I relate Jules! As this piece illustrates, there *are* actually folks out there who don't overthink and live their lives in a Zen fashion without having to know what happens next. Just knowing that's possible is kind of calming.
I do have problems each time trying to sign in to comment :-( Not sure what is happening with that.
It is Rebecca here. You have managed to talk about exactly what I am facing today. Total uncertainty. And having to not seek reassurance. As I speed off into the unknown in a hired campervan, back to Wales, but even further, no idea what awaits me. But will flow with the not knowing. Thank you, Drew.
Looking forward to reading the Tao of Anxiety. You have a great ability to explain concepts in such a relatable form. I loved todays episode, something clicked. There is no need to know the answers/seek certainty. We are here ‘to be’
Deep, profound, loved it! It’s like there’s two versions of me… the one who one day, on practically a whim said, I’m packing up my flat in country NSW Australia and going to live/work in London. Having only ever left Aust shores once and barely knowing a soul in London. And doing it all on my own with only a sense of excited anticipation and adventure. Versus the version of me that can’t speak in a voice-only Skype meeting due to my heart pumping so hard I can’t breathe and my brain shutting down in ‘freeze’ mode, because I have to speak in front of a virtual-only, small group of colleagues. So it’s there buried inside of me… this throwing caution to the wind and embracing the unknown with freedom & faith - just wish my amygdala would get consistent! (Susan Jeffers’ wonderful book ‘Embracing Uncertainty’ also beautifully articulates this concept).
Guilty, guilty, guilty. Trying to solve the unsolvable. What if this happens…what if that happens. Oh my, oh no, …. I can’t handle THAT. Here I go, first class ticket down the rabbit hole. Exhausting. !!!
These concepts are important for any one of any faith. Leaving things in God’s hands is the same idea. And such is life, not knowing is guaranteed especially if you face any health related decision. Will the treatment work? 80% of people respond favorably to this treatment. Are there any risks of complications? 80% of people had no adverse complications. Some people respond “Alright, Those are good odds!” Others respond, “20% chance of failure!! Oh no!” Working on changing my own narrative on this type of thinking. And while 100% certainty is not possible, changing bad thinking habits is. And it is freeing!
One more note to say today relates to an episode from earlier this week on the whole chemical imbalance issue. I had the pleasure of listening to Dr Caroline Leaf’s podcast (episode #413) today. She interviewed Robert Whitaker who states that the psychiatric establishment knew this whole imbalance theory was NOT backed by research since at least 1984 if not sooner. If people on social media that provide anxiety counseling for enormous fees riles you up, Drew, I would think this would even more so. Have they helped some? Yes. But lies to people who are desperate to get back to living is never acceptable. The truth is that meds with therapy works far better because it helps people believe in their own recovery. If you’re given a pill and believe it is because you have a chemical imbalance how can you ever believe you can recover and live your life? It really is taking advantage of people.
So much wisdom here. I concur 100%. Each time I've been able to let go of control, perfectionism, reasons, explanations, creating mental safety "hooks," I've lived so much better, in a more relaxed state and feeling stronger. I've seen this quality in people all my life and marveled over how lucky they were. It's a feeling of inner peace, strength and liberation. I recall many years ago feeling this way and actually asking anxiety to come and get me. Hahahaha.
Thanks for sharing this, Drew.
The need to know hmmmm 🤔. Guilty! I need to know everything. I often think if I just knew why or if I just knew how then I would understand and peace would surround me once again. Why did my husband get cancer? Who can ever answer that question, really? I need to work on not finding answers but allowing myself to feel what I need to regarding issues and stop fighting myself to figure out why because in the end does it really matter why? Love you Big Guy.
I'm sorry about your husband, Renay. I wish you both strength, peace and health. I do help he recovers fully. Good piece of reading for you today. Sending healthy vibes to you both.
Exactly my problem. Overthinking and the need to know to feel safe is so so hard to let go of. This post is just what I needed, thanks Drew.
I relate Jules! As this piece illustrates, there *are* actually folks out there who don't overthink and live their lives in a Zen fashion without having to know what happens next. Just knowing that's possible is kind of calming.
I do have problems each time trying to sign in to comment :-( Not sure what is happening with that.
It is Rebecca here. You have managed to talk about exactly what I am facing today. Total uncertainty. And having to not seek reassurance. As I speed off into the unknown in a hired campervan, back to Wales, but even further, no idea what awaits me. But will flow with the not knowing. Thank you, Drew.