In today's episode, Gina discusses the wisdom of author and spiritual teacher Eknath Easwaran. These teachings helped Gina improve her skill set for handling the wild anxious mind she was suffering with, and she hopes to impart this knowledge on her listeners. Embracing mindfulness and incorporating mantra into your daily practice will serve you well in your anxiety recovery journey. Listen in for Eknath Easwaran's ancient wisdom on this and enhance your practice today!

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What is anxiety?

Quote:

It is the mind that makes one wise or ignorant, bound or emancipated.

-Sri Ramakrishna

0:00:24 Finding Peace and Calm in the Frantic Mind

0:01:08 Inspiration from Eknath Eswaran: A Spiritual Teacher's Wisdom

0:02:16 Slowing Down the Mind for Deep Relaxation and Concentration

0:07:42 One-Pointed Attention: Unifying Consciousness and Deepening Concentration

0:09:24 The Power of Mantras: Transforming Consciousness through Repetition

0:12:26 Discovering the Power of Mantras

0:13:17 Exploring the Teachings of Akhenath Aswaran

0:14:42 Embracing Ancient Wisdom for a Calm and Peaceful Life

0:17:03 The Power of the Mind in Wisdom and Freedom

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we explore the wisdom of spiritual teacher Eknath Eswaran. Eswaran, founder of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and meditation instructor at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the power of slowing down the mind to reduce stress and tension. By practicing meditation and slowing our pace of life, we can cultivate resilience and make choices with clarity. Eswaran's book, "Words to Live By," provides daily guidance and inspiration, outlining his eight-point program that includes practices such as meditation, mantra repetition, and focused attention.

The idea of having a mantra resonates deeply with me personally. I have found that listening to podcasts while driving and focusing on a chosen mantra helps me stay present and attentive. Eswaran's second point in his program is the repetition of a mantra, or what he refers to as a mantram. These powerful spiritual formulas can transform consciousness when silently repeated in the mind. Every religious tradition has its own mantras, such as the name of Jesus, Hail Mary, Blessed art thou, Allah, and Om Mani Padme Hum. It is important to choose a mantra that deeply appeals to us and to stick with it, as changing mantras may hinder the deep benefits they can provide. Repeating our chosen mantra silently throughout the day, during activities like walking, waiting, or doing chores, can help us stay relaxed and alert. The calming effect of the mantra can also alleviate negative emotions such as anger, fear, and worry.

From my personal experience, I have been using the same mantra since the mid-90s and have found it to have a profound impact on my life. It pops up unexpectedly and grounds me in moments when I need it most. I highly recommend exploring Eknath Eswaran's teachings and reading his other books, including "The Unstruck Bell."

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In today's episode, Gina discusses the usefulness of integrating some form of spirituality into our lives for helping us overcome anxiety. A most effective way to do this is to begin to cultivate stillness and sacred moments in our lives. Listen in for tips on how to begin to discover sacredness in your own life and jump-start your anxiety healing journey today!

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Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

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Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the sower of all true science.

-Albert Einstein

0:00:24 Introduction to the concept of sacred resilience

0:02:03 Exploring the spiritual side of anxiety

0:05:53 Incorporating practices to address spiritual disconnection

0:14:26 Finding Stillness and Transforming Through Sacred Moments

0:15:26 Sprinkling Sacredness into Your Healing Journey

0:16:31 Closing Thoughts and Today's Quote

0:16:37 The Profound Sensation of the Mystical

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I discuss the concept of sacred resilience as a way to overcome stress and anxiety. Many people focus on treating the mind and body through stress reduction and mindfulness techniques, but they often overlook the spiritual aspect of anxiety. I want to emphasize that I'm not talking about religion or dogma, but rather the spiritual side of being.

When anxiety is rooted in spiritual concerns, it can lead to a heightened awareness of mortality and a sense of separation in the universe, which can contribute to panic attacks. This form of anxiousness is often disregarded, and I want to bring attention to it. It's important to cultivate everyday sacredness by celebrating each moment, connecting to something greater than ourselves, and prioritizing our lives according to our values.

In the next segment, I introduce an exercise to write your own obituary. This exercise is not meant to make you feel bad, but rather to help you reflect and get back on track if you feel lost. When we are grounded in our values and actively working towards our goals, our nervous system feels less on edge. We can cultivate sacred moments filled with gratitude, awe, compassion, and inner peace. These moments are precious and essential to our healing.

By creating stillness and taking mini timeouts from our daily busyness, we can add sacredness to our routine and transform our lives. It's important to be aware and involve our hearts in our lives. By dedicating time to the spiritual dimension of our existence, we can witness the awe-inspiring journey of our healing process.

The topic of sacredness and spirituality is often overlooked, but it can bring joy and help on our healing journeys. If you have anything to share on this subject, I'd love to hear from you. As Albert Einstein said, "The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical." Stay well, and I'll be back with another podcast soon.

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In today's episode, Gina discusses how to use our emotional reasoning and thinking to our advantage, rather than let it contribute to our anxiety and defeat. A number of cognitive distortions are identified as well as how to combat these tendencies. Looking to the positive, or even simply the neutral, can go a long way to preserving our mental health and emotional stability.n Listen in to find out how to do this effectively today!

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Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

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Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

-Lao Tzu

0:00:24 Introduction and the theme of self-defeating beliefs

0:01:19 Example 1: Filtering - Focusing on the negative

0:03:30 Example 2: Black and white thinking - All or nothing mentality

0:05:39 Example 3: Overgeneralization - Exaggerating or taking things to the extreme

0:07:22 Example 4: Mind reading - Making assumptions about others

0:09:14 Example 5: Catastrophizing - Expecting and projecting the worst

0:12:46 Ignoring Emergencies and Seeking Immediate Relief

0:14:39 Seeking Help and Relief from Anxiety

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, Gina Ryan discusses the impact of cognitive distortions on our mental well-being. She explores the concept of emotional reasoning and how it contributes to self-defeating beliefs. Drawing from personal experience, Gina shares her journey of recognizing and overcoming these beliefs.

Gina delves into various cognitive distortions, highlighting real-life examples and their solutions. She first explores the concept of filtering, where individuals focus solely on the negative aspects of a situation. She offers strategies for shifting perspective and finding balance.

Next, Gina addresses black and white thinking, where individuals perceive things as either perfect or a complete failure. She provides tools for challenging this rigid mindset and finding the shades of gray.

Overgeneralization, which involves exaggerating or taking things to the extreme, is another cognitive distortion discussed by Gina. She shares techniques for reframing thoughts and practicing self-compassion.

Mind reading, the act of making assumptions about others' thoughts or motivations, is also tackled in the episode. Gina offers guidance on cultivating open communication and directly asking others for clarification.

Throughout the conversation, Gina emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in identifying and challenging these self-defeating beliefs. She encourages listeners to embrace the concept of present-moment awareness and engage in self-reflection.

In addition to cognitive distortions, Gina addresses other patterns of thinking, such as catastrophizing and personalization. She stresses the significance of seeking professional guidance or support from loved ones when necessary.

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In today's episode, Gina shares a number of simple strategies for reducing and preventing anxiety. These tips will enable you to become more resilient in the face of stress and help you to preserve your inner peace. Listen in for these practical tips and start eliminating your anxiety today!

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!

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Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

-Buddha

0:00:24 Introduction: Ways to Bring Peace and Calm

0:02:29 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety Management

0:04:42 Mindfulness, Meditation, and Positive Affirmations

0:07:21 Physical Exercise and Grounding Techniques

0:08:52 Visualizations and Connecting with Nature

0:11:07 Eliminating Stimulants: Caffeine and Anxiety Relief

0:12:19 Granular Strategies for Igniting Peace and Calm

0:13:45 Intimacy, Petting Pets, and Gratitude

0:16:03 Generosity, Singing, and Repetitive Motion Activities

0:20:31 Finding Inner Peace: Wisdom from the Buddha

In this part of the episode, we explore various strategies for finding peace and calm in our lives. We begin by discussing the importance of managing stress and our response to it, focusing on strategies such as breathing techniques. We share a client's visualization of "smelling the daisies and blowing out the candles" as a helpful tool for relaxation.

Mindfulness and meditation are highlighted as key practices in staying present and accepting our thoughts without judgment. We discuss the benefits of mindfulness, such as observing thoughts without getting caught up in them and returning focus to the breath.

Positive affirmations are mentioned as a way to counteract negative thinking and promote positive thoughts in our daily lives. We acknowledge that while some may find this approach too fluffy, actively promoting positivity can offset the negativity we encounter.

Physical exercise is emphasized as a significant means of releasing tension and stress. Even a short walk can have a profound impact on our well-being. We encourage listeners to prioritize physical activity as a way to relax.

Moving forward, we delve into grounding techniques that involve focusing on physical sensations. By redirecting our attention to the texture of objects or our breath, grounding brings us out of our minds and connects us with our bodies.

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In today's episode, Gina shares a highly effective process for preventing panic attacks. Learning these three steps can help you relax and regain your composure whenever panic sets in. Listen in and feel better today!

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Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

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Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

Smile, breathe, and go slowly.

-Thich Nhat Hanh

0:00:24 Introduction and the importance of finding peace and calm

0:01:15 The normal response to stress and when it becomes overwhelming

0:02:14 The consequences of panic attacks and stress on relationships

0:02:58 Steps to feel calmer and avoid full-blown panic attacks

0:03:40 Breaking the fear and adrenaline cycle of anxiety

0:04:55 Identifying physical symptoms and regaining control during panic attacks

0:06:59 Understanding that the worst has already happened and being patient

0:07:56 Relaxing the body and accepting sensations during panic attacks

0:08:58 Relaxation Technique: Slow Exhalation for Deeper Breathing

0:09:44 Stimulating the Vagus Nerve for Peace and Calm

0:10:34 Managing Panic and Stress While Driving

0:11:46 Calming Techniques for Panic Attacks

0:12:41 Reducing Stress and Worry in Daily Life

0:13:16 Reducing Stress to Reduce Panic Attacks

0:14:19 The Importance of Diet and Sleep in Managing Stress

0:15:07 Exercise, Meditation, and Building a Stable Place for Calm

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we dive into the topic of preventing panic attacks. We understand that stress can be overwhelming for everyone, but some individuals find themselves trapped in a continuous cycle of fear and anxiety, leading to panic attacks. It's important to be honest with ourselves and recognize the signs of panic and overwhelm when they arise.

We discuss the physical symptoms that often accompany stress, such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a lump in the throat. These sensations can be alarming, but we assure our listeners that they have already experienced the worst and that these feelings will eventually fade away.

One key strategy we focus on is the importance of exhaling and making it longer and slower than your inhalation. By consciously relaxing your belly and using your diaphragm to breathe deeply, you stimulate the vagus nerve, which sends calming signals to the brain and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This technique can be practiced whenever panic arises, even while driving. We encourage listeners to pull over and practice deep belly breathing until they feel calm again, allowing the stress to release from their bodies.

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In today's episode, Gina celebrates monumental 1000th episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast. Listen in to hear about Gina's own personal history with anxiety-panic and about the origins of the show. From humble beginnings in upstate New York, Gina has honed her coaching skills over many years and cultivated an intimate knowledge of how anxiety-panic arises and how it can be tamed and overcome. We are so happy to be able to share this wisdom with you the listeners and that the show has been so helpful for so many. Thanks for listening.

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!

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Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

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Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.

-Wayne W. Dyer

0:00:24 Introduction: Finding Peace and Calm

0:01:16 Sharing My Anxiety History and Story

0:02:58 Alone in New York City, waiting for grandfather's surgery

0:04:00 Navigating the busy streets and hospitals in a state of panic

0:06:32 Discovering the calming power of yoga and mindful breathing

0:08:23 Overcoming anxiety through meditation and mindfulness practices

0:09:08 Becoming a nutritionist and working with eating disorder clients

0:10:16 Taking over as co-host and eventually host of the podcast

0:11:37 Celebrating episode 1000 and the journey towards peace and calm

0:14:04 Acknowledging the Support Team and Early Days

0:15:01 Gratitude for Listeners and True Native Media

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I, Gina Ryan, share my personal experience with anxiety and discuss the journey that brought the show to its milestone 1000th episode. I delve into the origins of my anxiety, which began in my late teens or early twenties, triggered by a specific alarming situation. While there may have been other contributing factors, anxiety was not a part of my childhood.

I recount a particularly distressing incident in New York City where a loud alarm sounded, and no one came to help, intensifying my panic. This event left me in a constant state of unease and uncertainty about how to cope with my anxiety. However, as time went on, I found solace in the realms of philosophy and spirituality, diving into books that offered guidance and understanding. Through this exploration, I discovered yoga and the practice of mindful breathing, which provided temporary relief and allowed me to catch a glimpse of hope beyond the depths of anxiety.

Meditation and mindfulness became my guiding lights, teaching me how to navigate stress and face challenges without succumbing to fear. Gradually, I found my way out of the dark abyss of anxiety. Although I struggled with anxiety for twenty years, I want you to know that you too can overcome it. Countless resources are available to assist you on your journey.

After moving to Maui and working as a nutritionist with clients suffering from eating disorders, my interest in anxiety was piqued when I stumbled upon a podcast on Stitcher dedicated to the topic. I reached out to the host and ended up being a guest on the show. Eventually, the host decided to step down, and I was offered the opportunity to take over as the host of the Anxiety Coaches podcast. Although I was filled with both fear and excitement, I embraced the challenge.

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In today's episode, Gina discusses the great power of our senses to provide soothing information to our psyche. This episode will help you improve your coping abilities using the miraculous gift of your senses. From distraction to self-care, the senses, including touch, taste, hearing, smelling and seeing, are immense resources available to you in your anxiety clearing journey. Listen in and start putting them to use today!

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!

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Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

Learn to be calm and you will always be happy.

-Paramahansa Yogananda

0:00:43 The Power of Self-Soothing through the Senses

0:01:25 Importance of Relaxation and Self-Soothing during Distress

0:02:13 Utilizing the Sense of Touch for Stress Relief

0:03:17 Delightful Smells and Memory Triggers

0:05:08 Soothing Sight and Visual Relaxation

0:06:42 Calming Sounds and Soothing Audio

0:13:12 Self-Soothing through Movement: Dance, Walk, Yoga, Martial Arts, and More

0:14:22 Relaxation Techniques: Belly Breathing, Body Scan, Progressive Muscle Relaxation

0:16:12 Expressing and Soothing Through Talking, Music, and Writing

0:17:32 Discovering Inner Peace through Calmness

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the various ways we can utilize self-soothing techniques to reduce stress and bring calm into our lives. We understand that many individuals struggle with self-soothing, particularly during times of distress, but learning to relax and self-soothe can have profound benefits on our overall well-being.

To begin, we explore self-soothing through the sense of touch. We discuss the therapeutic nature of activities such as petting a soft animal, using warm or cold water, or engaging in self-massage. These actions can help soothe our bodies and create a sense of comfort.

Moving on, we shift our focus to the sense of smell. We highlight the power of scent in triggering positive memories and feelings of relaxation. We suggest using scented candles, hugging loved ones, and enjoying fragrant flowers or essential oils as ways to engage our sense of smell for self-soothing.

Next, we emphasize the importance of paying attention to the visual stimuli we expose ourselves to in order to promote relaxation. We recommend creating collages of soothing images, gazing at nature or loved ones, and being mindful of what we consume on social media. By being mindful of the visual elements in our environment, we can positively impact our overall well-being.

We then explore the sense of hearing and its role in self-soothing. We discuss the importance of finding sounds that relax us, such as listening to audiobooks, nature sounds, or soothing voices. We also suggest incorporating water features or white noise into our surroundings to create a calming atmosphere.

Additionally, we recommend the body scan meditation available on the Anxiety Coaches Podcast website as a powerful tool for relaxation. By engaging our senses in self-soothing activities, such as those related to touch, scent, sight, and hearing, we can bring peace and calm into our lives.

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In today's episode, Gina again discusses Claire Weekes' critical step in her anxiety recovery process: acceptance. Highlighted in this episode are additional factors about the acceptance process that make it so important to overcoming anxiety. Understanding that anxiety and the emotions that go along with it are ok to experience helps bring us to the place where we can stop resisting and accept the unpleasant experience. Over time, our anxiety will be easier and easier to accept and also less and less intense. Listen in and get started today!

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!

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Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

A setback is part of recovery.

-Claire Weekes

0:00:43 Practical steps from Claire Weeks to embrace anxiety

0:04:00 Acceptance starts with acknowledging and facing our anxious feelings

0:06:31 Breaking the cycle by being mindful and stopping fear

0:08:14 Making a conscious decision to stop feeding into fearful thoughts

0:09:21 The initial desire to be unafraid sets the stage

0:10:05 Directing thoughts towards acceptance and understanding its importance

0:11:36 Calm acceptance as a proactive step in true recovery

0:13:09 Challenging our instinct to fight email notifications

0:14:15 Embracing acceptance and letting go of struggle

0:16:18 Patience and gradual progress on the path to recovery

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, Gina Ryan discusses practical steps and practices inspired by Dr. Claire Weeks' teachings on embracing anxiety and fostering calm acceptance. By educating ourselves and acquiring knowledge about anxiety, we can confront it with understanding instead of fear. Gina also touches on the polyvagal theory, explaining how our neural circuits scan the environment for danger. Understanding this theory can help us work with our body's natural responses to anxiety.

Gina emphasizes the importance of calm acceptance as the ultimate goal in dealing with anxiety. She explains that it is okay to feel anxious and that there is nothing wrong with experiencing those emotions. She discourages the idea of striving for instant results and highlights the need for patience and gradual progress. Gina emphasizes that acceptance does not mean merely putting up with anxiety, but actively acknowledging and understanding it.

She urges listeners to let go of the instinct to resist and instead adopt an attitude of acceptance. Gina encourages individuals to challenge their natural instincts to fight against anxiety and instead embrace a mindset of acceptance. She suggests relaxing into the feelings and letting go of the need to struggle against them, comparing it to floating in water rather than fighting against the current.

Gina emphasizes the importance of giving up the need to control and fix things, as it may worsen anxiety. She reminds listeners that recovery is a gradual process that requires time and persistence, and that setbacks are a normal part of the journey. Gina concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace anxiety with calm acceptance and quotes Claire Weeks, stating that setbacks are part of recovery.

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In today's episode, Gina discusses another key aspect of Claire Weekes' approach to overcoming anxiety: acceptance. In particular, acceptance can be an effective tool by which we can combat and avoid the second fear, an aspect of psychological functioning that can increase anxiety severely. Through accepting our anxiety, we make it much less debilitating. Listen in for more insight into how to use acceptance to your anxiety recovery journey!

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!

https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/

Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!

To learn more go to:

https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?

Quote:

In the final count, it takes less effort, even less courage, to go forward with true acceptance than to go forward fighting grimly.

-Claire Weekes

0:00:24 Introduction: Finding Peace and Calm Amidst Anxiety

0:01:12 Overview of Claire Weeks' Four Essential Steps

0:02:15 Part 1: The Importance of Acceptance in Anxiety Recovery

0:04:04 Dr. Weeks' Emphasis on Acceptance as a Secret Weapon

0:05:05 The Power of Knowledge in Confronting Anxiety

0:06:33 The Concept of Acceptance as a Shield Against Second Fear

0:08:29 Overcoming Difficulties in Acceptance: Wishing to be Unafraid

0:09:59 Patience and Progress in the Journey of Acceptance

0:11:17 Understanding Second Fear and Second Arrow in Anxiety

0:12:49 The Connection Between Claire Weeks' Second Fear and Buddhist Second Arrow

0:13:35 Challenging our Natural Instincts to Fight or Flee

0:15:08 True Acceptance and Letting Go

0:16:06 The Importance of Letting Go and Relaxing

0:17:03 Patience and Persistence in the Recovery Process

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we explore the teachings of Dr. Claire Weeks and her insights on acceptance in overcoming anxiety. Dr. Weeks emphasizes the importance of facing, accepting, floating, and letting time pass as essential steps in the journey towards overcoming anxiety. While some may find Dr. Weeks' approach harsh, her teachings resonate with many clients who have experienced anxiety. In this episode, we focus specifically on the first part of acceptance and will delve deeper into the topic in future episodes.

When we refer to anxiety, we are specifically addressing the feeling of being stuck in a cycle where we can't escape feeling anxious, rather than normal stress or chronic stress. Our goal is to break the stress, adrenaline, fear cycle and handle stress in a way that prevents us from staying anxious. Dr. Weeks believed that education about the physiological process of anxiety is crucial in confronting fears and reducing uncertainty. Knowledge acts as a shield against anxiety and empowers individuals to take control of their symptoms. It is important for us to pay attention to the background factors that contribute to anxiety and utilize the tools and practices discussed in this podcast to guard against them.

According to Dr. Weeks, one of the secret weapons against anxiety is acceptance, which involves welcoming and acknowledging anxious feelings instead of avoiding or suppressing them. Breaking the cycle of fear weakens anxiety and eventually leads to its end. While accepting anxiety can be challenging, it is an essential step towards recovery.

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In today's episode, Gina discusses the benefits of taking breaks from our often constant activity. Taking time for rest, reflection and self-care can be highly beneficial for anxiety recovery. A number of journal (or thought) prompts are included for helping you gain an understanding into how helpful taking time for yourself can be and also to prime yourself to reap maximum gains from when you are able to take this time for yourself.

Marilyn’s episode on ACP:

329: An Oasis in Time with Author Marilyn Paul

https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/329-an-oasis-in-time-with-author-marilyn-paul/

Book mentioned on today’s episode:

An Oasis in Time: How a Day of Rest Can Save Your Life

by Marilyn Paul

https://amzn.to/3H3rGPD

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What is anxiety?

Quote:

Busyness is not a reason for not getting other things done. It is an excuse for not claiming your true priorities.

-Marilyn Paul

0:00:24 Welcome back to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast

0:01:26 Define Your Why for Serenity

0:10:56 Finding Purpose: Assessing the Why

0:11:39 Filling in the Blanks: Exploring Choices

0:13:36 The Importance of Reflection and Setting Goals

0:14:32 Taking Responsibility for Our Own Direction

0:16:31 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

0:17:36 Busyness vs True Priorities: Claiming Your Best Life

In this episode, we delve into the concept of creating a blueprint for taking a break and finding serenity. We draw inspiration from Marilyn Paul's book, "An Oasis in Time," shedding light on the crucial reasons behind the need for these transformative changes in our lives. We examine common sentiments shared by individuals who yearn for more peace and calmness, such as the desire for mornings free from phone checking and email obligations, the craving for relaxed downtime with loved ones, the overwhelming sense of constant busyness, the experience of burnout, the longing for more time in nature, and the absence of regular opportunities for reflection.

Reflecting on the way Sundays were once sanctified as days of rest, characterized by a slower pace and fewer obligations, we acknowledge that the world may no longer offer this respite. Nonetheless, we encourage listeners to create their own oasis in time, suggesting the extension of meditation practices or the carving out of extended periods for slowing down and embracing tranquility at their own pace.

We share personal experiences of setting aside Sundays as designated days of rest, emphasizing the joy that comes from heeding our inner compass and following the urgings of our hearts, rather than strictly adhering to a never-ending to-do list. However, we acknowledge the challenges that arise when it becomes increasingly difficult to connect with our inner selves due to constant busyness or exhaustion.

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