“The wonderful paradox about the truth of suffering is that the more we open to it and understand it, the lighter and freer our mind becomes. Our mind becomes more spacious, more open, and happier as we move past our avoidance and denial to see what is true. We become less driven by compulsive desires and addictions, because we see clearly the nature of things as they are.”

You hear about this approach a lot when it comes to compulsions and ingrained bad habits, even anxieties. Look them in the eye and stay with them. Mirror back to them an acknowledgment that you see them. You are aware of them. Neutrally. You aren’t afraid, but neither are you trying too hard. You’re not hunting them down. You’re letting them know you know they’re already there, and you’re not running.

Go to Big Self School.com and take the stress test to find out just how stressed you really are. https://www.bigselfschool.com/stress-test.