Online Session -Zoom Link and Recording
Recording of the Online Session
In this Session we have already touched on a few very important points in order to better understand anxiety and you have been introduced to one of the main tools to reduce anxiety.
Internal processes that keep anxiety into place
The psychological comfort zone – We all have a psychological home, that is our habitual way of thinking, feeling, doing things. In this home we feel safe because things are familiar. We might not be happy or joyful but we feel safe. Letting go of anxiety disturbs the balance of the psychological comfort zone and our first reaction is to want to go back to our familiar way of doing things. And yes, that happens even if the change is for the better as the main point of the comfort zone is not comfort but familiarity.
Our natural tendency to scan for danger – From an evolutionary perspective, we are biologically wired to scan for danger. Anxiety is kept in place by this natural tendency to be prepared for the worst. However, in today’s society we tend to be mentally and physically safe so this process of being always on guard does not serve us anymore. Letting go of anxiety means also training ourselves to focus on the bright side of life in order to balance the tendencies of our own biology.
Our tendency to identify with our thought processes – In the yogic tradition they say ‘neti-neti‘. That means that whatever I can observe it cannot be me. So, as long as the thought processes can be observed , it means that there is at least one additional stance of the psyche who can observe them. Learning to be sceptical about what the mind is telling you is another step in reducing anxiety.
The main tool to reduce anxiety
Relaxation sessions – Anxiety and relaxation are at opposite polls. When you are pray to anxiety your whole body tenses, your stress response system is geared to the maximum and you could not be further from peace and relaxation.
The relaxation sessions have three important functions:
- Immediate Reduction Of Anxiety – they have a calming effect on your body and mind increasing your day to day wellbeing. With this sessions your brain gets the message that there is no danger and it can switch from stress response to the rejuvenation processes of your body.
- Training Your Relaxation Muscle – because, yes, like many things in the world relaxation is a habit that needs to be cultivated. Allowing ourselves to relax is a skill that the current culture does not support. However it is paramount in order to live a balanced, healthy and happy life.
- Learning Detachment From Your Mental Processes – reducing anxiety means being able to observe in a detached manner your internal thinking process. That means that you do not get lost in the downward spiral of catastrophising thoughts, self criticism, worrying and you are able to bring yourself back to centre.
In order for you to get the maximum benefit from this program you are being invited to listen to the recordings every day. It is like going to the mind gym! You do not get the benefit only by being informed about these methods. You need to practice them! And let’s be honest, they are much nicer than going to the gym! :))
Recording of the Relaxation Session
Please listen to this recording EVERY DAY! At an hour of your choice provided that you are in a place where you are not disturbed through the duration of the session.
There is no recommended posture. You are advised to find a comfortable position in an armchair or even in your bed. The point here is to reach the deepest relaxation possible, so that involves keeping the body happy.
This guidance is really about making friends with your body. Learning to listen to the different messages that it sends to us (like there is tension in the body, or there is a feeling of expansion, or lightness or heaviness). It is also about allowing yourself to relax and enjoy the ride…because this is also how we get to happiness in our lives…relax and enjoy the ride.
You do not need any additional instructions in advance of the session. You will be guided throughout. There will be moments of music and moments of silence and I will let you know when the session is over.
Do not listen to this sessions while driving or while operating any kind of household machinery!
ENJOY your session!
Zoom link
The live Zoom session starts on 19th February at 9 AM PST/12 pm EST/18 PM CET