Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is what happens when the mind focuses too much on the future. It arises when we overthink outcomes — fearing what might happen, or what might not happen at all. At its core, anxiety is the fear that our expectations won’t be fulfilled, or that the unknown will unfold in a way we can't control.

To begin transforming anxiety, you must first realize: you are not your thoughts or emotions. When you feel anxious, observe the types of thoughts arising — and don’t automatically believe them. The more attention you give to anxious thoughts, the stronger they become. But when you stop feeding them, when you create distance, they start to fade.

The key is to bring your attention to the present moment. Focus on your surroundings. Feel your breath. Smell the air. Listen to the silence. Touch something with texture and really feel it. Let your senses anchor you in the now.

If anxious thoughts and feelings persist, don’t resist them. Accept them. Feel them. But know this: they are not you, and they are not true.

There are no real problems in the present moment — only challenges, if any. And if a challenge appears, you’ll deal with it. If there’s nothing to handle right now, then worrying serves no purpose. In fact, it only harms.

Peace is always available in the now.