My daughter acquired an intense, terrible phobia of vomiting on New Year's Day. This made her fearful of going to school, woke her up in the middle of the night in terror, and caused seemingly random panic episodes, among other things. To date, this has been my closest encounter with anxiety, a strange but all-too-human type of dread.
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According to Scott Stossel's engrossing and enlightening book, “Anxiety affects 40 million Americans, making it difficult for them to do things like fly, give public speeches, ride elevators to high floors, or simply shake people's hands. What causes these powerful (and frequently illogical) fears? Is it a physical (hardware), mental (software), or spiritual affliction? Darwin believed it was an adaptive trait in response to physical danger, but how do we explain the reaction when there is none? Being apoplectic for no apparent reason appears to be a clear evolutionary disadvantage. Many biologists simply chalk it up to an overactive amygdala, and the list goes on. Psychologist and philosopher William James believed that anxiety was a reaction to the demands of modernity, while many scientists simply chalk it up to an overactive amygdala, and so on.
There is and always has been a lot of supposition, but the truth is that we simply don't know.
As Sigmund Freud put it in 1923, “Anxiety is a difficult concept to grasp.”
What does anxiety mean spiritually?
Anxiety is a universal characteristic of all living things, even the tiniest animals whose lives center around survival. However, these species suffer from reality anxiety, a fear of survival-related events such as dog bites or surviving a severe winter, as described by Sigmund Freud. Reality anxiety affects humans as well, but our brains have developed to allow us to reasona capacity that causes worry on a different level, stemming from deeper existential issues about the nature of our existence.
This level of worry is referred to as sacred anxiety by Robert Gerzon, an author and holistic psychotherapist. Gerson's approach to holy anxiety reflects the concerns raised by persons going on spiritual journeys, whether religious or not. “Sacred anxiety characterizes our experience with the ultimate, the fear of death, and the wonder of existence,” he stated. “This is existential concern about our place in the universe on a cosmic scale.”
The understanding that, at the end of the day, each of us is alone within our head, viewing the world differently from others while simultaneously inhabiting it. The feeling of dread that comes over you when you worry what happens when you die, if you'll be able to see your loved ones again “You will either continue to exist in some manner or will fade away into another realm of existence. Sacred anxiety incorporates both of these worries, and although Gerzon compares it to a fear of the unknown, it is a fear of the unknown “Regardless of our religious views, our uniquely human ability to reason has the potential to lead us into deeper anxieties.
What is the root cause of anxiety?
You may find yourself asking and answering questions for yourself as you go deeper into the subject:
- Is there a period in my life when I felt the same way, but in a different circumstance?
Anxiety is complex, with layers upon layers to peel away before you can get to the fundamental reason, which can range from insecurity to a desire for control. Environmental factors such as a career or personal connection, medical issues, traumatic prior events even genetics can have a part, according to Medical News Today.
A smart initial step is to see a therapist. You can't do it all on your own. It might be time to dig further into the sweaty palms, shakiness, butterflies in the stomach, and tight shoulders. Not only can getting to the base of your anxiety help you feel better, but you'll also gain a greater understanding of yourself.
Is anxiety related to spirituality?
Greater spiritual well-being, which included both beliefs about the role of faith in sickness and meaning, peace, and purpose in life, was linked to decreased symptoms of anxiety (P 0.001) and depression (P 0.001) in adjusted analyses.
What causes anxiety according to the Bible?
Because God views anxiety to be a crisis of faith, the bible does not specify what causes anxiety. Anxiety, according to this concept, indicates that the person has not yet been able to fully trust God, because fear is something that should be relinquished because everyone is destined to be a part of God's plan. In Matthew 6:27, it is written:
To put it another way, what does being nervous accomplish for you that is beneficial? This isn't just a religious issue; it's also a matter of anxiety. There are those who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks on a daily basis, fearful of contracting a dangerous disease or being exposed to a variety of threats. But, in terms of curing the sickness, what good does worrying about it do? What good does it do you to fear you might be in danger to enhance your life?
The answer is that thinking about anxiety has no effect on one's lifespan, either in terms of length or quality. It's only the result of ambiguity, and the bible teaches that uncertainty is ultimately unbelief in God's plan. It's not that worry is a sin, but it is the act of having fears and worries that one would not have if they sincerely followed and demonstrated commitment to God.
Which chakra is responsible for anxiety?
When the body's energy flow is interrupted or exhausted, physiological and psychological changes occur, which can lead to sickness and imbalance. Blockages in the energy flow might result from a stressful environment, life problems, losses, or traumatic events, which can manifest as psychological symptoms such as anxiety and concern. Balancing your chakras can aid in the restoration of energy flow in your body, lowering anxiety levels.
A Brief History on Chakras
Chakras are energy centers in the body that are derived from the Sanskrit word “wheel.” Chakras are energy centers that connect main nerve points and allow life force, or “prana,” to flow freely. When the flow of energy is disrupted, Hindu and Buddhist traditions believe that physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing suffers.
The idea of a universal life energy flowing through our bodies was first proposed in India (prana) and China (ch'i) around 5,000 B.C. Some names for a quantifiable energy field connected with the body system include prana, ch'i, shakti, aura, or biofield. Many studies have used instruments like the Electrocardiograph (EKG) to detect the currents of energy flowing through the body and discovered that this bioenergy field is closely tied to the body's physical functioning.
There are seven major chakras in the body, each of which is connected to nerve points or plexuses. These seven areas, according to Western customs, have an effect on the neurological system and endocrine glands. Each chakra is connected with a specific color from the rainbow's seven beams of light. The bioenergy or auric field is affected by color light, which is an electromagnetic wave.
Root Chakra
The Root Chakra is the first of the seven chakras. This chakra, which is located in the tailbone, is related with the color red. It's linked to the adrenal medulla, the gland in charge of fighting or fleeing (which is what you might feel at the onset of a panic attack). The sensation of security, survival, and instinct are all regulated by the Root chakra. We feel exhausted, despondent, ungrounded, nervous, and lonely when this chakra is out of balance. Use the color red to stimulate your area and your body to balance this chakra. Add red flowers to your workplace or house, wear a garnet stone, or consume red berries, for example.
Sacral Chakra
The Sacral chakra, located in the pelvis and connected with the color orange, is the second chakra. The adrenal glands and the genitourinary system are both connected to it. The basic emotional and sexual demands, as well as creativity and confidence, are all regulated by this chakra. When this chakra is out of balance, we experience emotional instability, loneliness, and may suffer with addictions and dependencies. To balance this chakra, use the color orange to enliven your space, such as by wearing a carnelian stone, eating more orange foods, or wearing orange apparel.
Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus chakra is the third chakra. This chakra, which is located beneath your ribs and in your diaphragm, is related with the color yellow. The digestive system and the adrenal glands are both connected to it. Our worries, sense of power, and gut sentiments are all regulated by this chakra. We suffer worries, eating disorders, anxiety, and a loss of control when this chakra is out of balance. To balance this chakra, use yellow to enliven your space, such as by adding yellow flowers, wearing a yellow citrine stone, or drinking lemon water.
Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra is the fourth chakra, and it is related with the color green. It is placed in the center of your chest, around the heart area. The heart, the thymus, and the endocrine system are all connected to it. Compassion, love for oneself and others, connection, and safety are all related to this chakra. We feel detached, helpless, and rejected when this chakra is out of balance. Energize your surroundings with green plants, wear a green jade, and eat more leafy green veggies to balance this chakra.
Throat Chakra
The Throat chakra, located in the throat area and connected with the color blue, is the fifth chakra. It affects our sense of security, leadership, expressiveness, and fluid communication and is associated to the thyroid gland. We feel apprehensive, paralyzed, and uneasy when this chakra is out of harmony. Connect with the ocean to revitalize your space and balance this chakra. Wearing a Lapis Lazuli stone or eating blueberries are both good ideas.
Third-Eye Chakra
The Third-Eye chakra, positioned between your brows and connected with the color indigo, is the sixth chakra. It regulates our inner guidance, intuition, ideas, and dreams and is associated to the pineal gland. We may feel unbalanced and judgmental, be unable to access our intuition, and have trouble sleeping if this chakra is out of balance. Wear an azurite stone, utilize lavender essential fragrances, or connect with the blue night sky to balance this chakra.
Crown Chakra
The Crown chakra, located at the crown of your head and connected with the color violet, is the seventh chakra. The pituitary gland and the central nervous system are both connected to it. It is linked to our awareness, inner wisdom, creativity, and spirituality. We feel melancholy, despondent, bewildered, and alienated when this chakra is out of balance. Wear amethyst, eat figs, and decorate your space with violets to balance this chakra.
Identify Imbalances to Correct Your Energy Flow
Simply brightening up your living space and eating healthier are the initial steps to reducing anxiety. Begin with one chakra and work your way to the others. This way, you'll be able to pay close attention to all of the important parts of your energy flow system. Use the ideas to rebalance the energy flow and assist your worry go away once you've understood your symptoms and their connection to your chakras.
What God says about anxiety?
“Do not be concerned about anything; instead, make your requests known to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving.” “The LORD hears the righteous cry for help and relieves them from all their difficulties.” “For God gave us a spirit of strength, love, and self-control, not of fear.”
What emotion causes anxiety?
And, according to a Concordia University study, rage is more than a feeling for millions of people who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD); it's a conduit that amplifies anxiety. Specifically, when anger is absorbed rather than expressedimagine being enraged on the inside but not expressing it.
Don't worry if this knowledge has left you feeling perplexed or skeptical; the anger-anxiety relationship is rarely linear. A recurring question is, “Why would someone who avoids conflict and dislikes being upset be furious?” It's also a fantastic question. But first, let's take a look at the social rules. We don't reward rage in general.
What are 5 symptoms of anxiety?
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience excessive anxiety or worry about a variety of topics for at least 6 months, including personal health, employment, social interactions, and ordinary life situations. Fear and anxiety can lead to serious problems in social interactions, education, and job.
- Having sleep issues, such as inability to fall or remain asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfactory sleep
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by frequent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are brief bursts of acute terror that begin suddenly and peak within minutes. Attacks can happen out of nowhere or as a result of a trigger, such as a dreaded object or circumstance.
People with panic disorder are frequently concerned about when their next attack will occur, and they actively strive to avoid them by avoiding places, events, or behaviors that they associate with panic attacks. The fear of panic episodes, as well as the effort expended to avoid them, can cause considerable problems in a person's life, including the development of agoraphobia (see below).
Phobia-related disorders
A phobia is a strong dislike or fear of a specific thing or situation. While it is understandable to feel uncomfortable in some situations, the dread experienced by persons with phobias is out of proportion to the actual risk posed by the situation or object.
- Have an illogical or excessive fear of coming into contact with the feared object or situation.
- When confronted with the feared thing or scenario, experience acute anxiety right away.
Specific Phobias (sometimes known as “basic phobias”): People who have a specific phobia have an acute dread of, or anxiety about, specific things or circumstances, as the name suggests. Fears of the following things are examples of specific phobias:
People with social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) have a generalized strong fear of, or anxiety regarding, social or performance settings. They are concerned that their anxiety-related activities or behaviors will be unfavorably judged by others, causing them embarrassment. People with social anxiety frequently avoid social situations as a result of this anxiety. Social anxiety disorder can express itself in a variety of settings, including the workplace and school.
Agoraphobia is a condition in which a person has a strong fear of two or more of the following situations:
People with agoraphobia sometimes avoid these circumstances because they believe it will be difficult or impossible for them to escape if they have panic attacks or other unpleasant symptoms. A person with the most severe form of agoraphobia may become housebound.
Separation anxiety disorder is commonly assumed to be a problem that only children face; nevertheless, adults can be diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder as well. People with separation anxiety disorder are afraid of being apart from the people they care about. They are frequently concerned that something bad may happen to their attachment figures when they are apart. They resist being separated from their attachment figures and being alone as a result of this dread. When separation occurs or is expected, people with separation anxiety may have nightmares about being separated from attachment figures or feel physical symptoms.
Face your fears
If you don't deal with your worries, they'll build up over time. Fear is a type of energy, not merely a feeling. At some point, any collected energy will need to be released. There is no such thing as too much energy. When you don't let go of your fear, it manifests itself in the form of struggle and agony.
You may need to put up some effort in order to be free of your concerns. It will not be easy, but it will not be impossible. It is critical to free yourself from the fears that are preventing you from moving forward.
Acknowledge your fears
After a terrifying incident, most people want to act as if nothing occurred. They believe that if they strive to forget or ignore the fact that they are afraid, the dread will vanish. This is not the situation in reality. You should acknowledge and face your sacred feelings whenever they arise. Instead of fleeing, convince yourself that it's alright to be afraid.
Communicate with your fears
Learn to communicate with your fear whenever it arises. Investigate what your fear is attempting to tell you. To communicate with your fear, first figure out where the terrified energy has gathered in your body. Your heart may feel tight, your stomach may feel unsettled, and your limbs may be tense at times. Once you've located the source of this energy, you'll be able to speak with it.
A conversation with your fear can provide some essential and crucial information. You'll learn how to recognize the source of fear and how to feel safe in your own skin.
Find a way to release fear
After a fight, a duck flutters its wings vigorously to discharge the fear energy. You can also find methods to help you release bad energy. Crying, yelling, shouting, or any other vigorous physical activity can be used.
Concentrate on the area of your body where you feel fear has built up and figure out what kind of movement your body prefers. Once you've grasped the concept, all you have to do now is surrender to the movement, increase it, and repeat until it stops.