I'm going to be real with you, (when am I ever anything but?) I've been dealing with some pretty intense anxiety of late.
Yup, I'm not immune - far from it - how do you think I got into this line of work in the first place?
One of the ways I'm dealing with it is to keep reminding myself to BE HERE NOW.
Because whenever my anxious brain and body feel like they're spinning off the rails, I'm never HERE.
Instead, I'm THERE - off in some dreadful imagined future, or some fretful alternate reality where I'm crafting devastating speeches and unassailable arguments.
To get back to the present moment, where I'm safe and warm, and nothing bad is actually happening, I simply STOP those thoughts in their tracks and say to myself: 'BE HERE NOW'.
Then I re-focus on this present moment. Soft clothing, christmas lights, warmth, breath, the ground under my feet, and spirit supporting me.
Be here NOW.
There is only now.
Every single iteration of the future takes place in your imagination. And your imagination is a thought that is happening NOW.
And you can choose what to think about, what to feel and what to do NOW.
Be HERE now.
Deliberately choose to bring yourself back HERE from wherever you'd spun off to - whether it's having a never-ending argument, or hearing the worst news of your life.
Come back HERE. Here where you're safe and all is well, and you can choose what to do with this moment.
BE here now.
Simply BE, that's all that's required of you. Be at peace for just this moment, not thinking about the next one.
Be still, be active, but just BE.
In this present moment, nothing is required of you. There are no tigers to fight, and everyone is safe.
Just be. Hour by hour. Moment by moment.
And ultimately, remember this - it doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter what bowl you choose for your cereal, it doesn't matter if you miss the train, it doesn't matter if you make the phone call or not, or win the argument or not.
It doesn't matter.
This doesn't mean that there are no consequences, just that the consequences don't matter.
This doesn't mean that the consequences won't be painful - they might be, and this too won't matter.
Because you (and I) will survive them. Because you always, always, ALWAYS have. 100% of the time. Pretty great strike rate, huh?
So - I hope this is helpful to you. And if you're being hit with the more 'interesting' parts of life right now, know that I am sending you heaps of love and virtual squeezes, and cheerleading your name to the heavens.
Big love,
P.S. I love THIS meditation for a quick boost of calm - what's your favourite?