The Anxiety Relief Brief

Based on research and writing by Dr. Judson Brewer, we explore the concept of the anxious habit loop: what it is, how it developed, and how to use mindfulness as a tool for releasing old patterns and engaging in upgraded behavior.

Anxious achievers are often finding themselves feeling so very proud of their accomplishments; these accomplishments tend to be focused around working hard, making money, living up to high expectations, providing for others, keeping a very clean home and receiving external validation. Because they've been rewarded with the external validation, a sense of peace, a feeling of success or some other relieving experience- anxious achievers develop a patter of behavior that often leads to burnout and the feeling that they're "not good enough." And it's not true that they aren't good enough- they've just made an association between peace/content/safety/joy with always striving to be better in the areas named previously. But what if there were effortful and mindful attention placed on creating NEW associations. We can do this by more frequently connecting to the present moment through mindful practice- so that we can then intentionally affirm that we are proud for doing OPPOSITE the thing we normally do. This does indeed take courage. I invite you to identify something that your perfectionist habits cause you to do often, do the opposite and then praise yourself for doing so. You deserve that praise as you step into your next moments with courage and curiosity.

What is mindfulness and how can we begin this practice? Come with me on this short journey of an episode to learn about the definition of mindfulness, important concepts related to this practice, as well as a simple 4 step approach to practicing mindfulness skills. As we begin this episode, I share a vulnerable story about a tragic life experience that propelled me into passionately pursuing mindfulness personally and professionally for the rest of my life.

In this episode, I share about what it means to be an Anxious Achiever. I teach mental health knowledge related to cognitive behavior therapy, core beliefs and underlying needs. We will review 6 major behaviors of Anxious Achievers and discuss skills to navigate and shift these patterns of behavior.

Slowing down is hard sometimes, and it's also paramount in regulating the nervous system and allowing for true opportunity connect with self more deeply and to live more fully. This episode takes us on a journey, guiding us closer to the experience of slowing down as a tool for experiencing more power and peace on a moment to moment basis.

On this episode, let's dive into the concepts around mindfulness and how they can support reduced anxiety, increased empowerment and increased peace- as we determine what is in our control from what is not.

Though it's assumed by many that "Mindfulness" is meant to be a relaxation strategy, it's actually not!  Mindfulness is actually the attention we give to the present moment, despite what we're thinking or feeling in that moment, in order to gain awareness through non-judgmental observation.  When we allow ourselves the opportunity to access this awareness, we may feel uncomfortable for some time (probably not for too long, so long as we really do OBSERVE non-judgmentally) and we become much better able at identifying how to nurture ourselves through challenging times.  Join me on this podcast episode adventure, as we discuss the reasons why mindfulness isn't necessarily relaxation- and yet, why it is such an important practice.

In this episode, your host, Gabrielle Rose, shares a story that she's written as a form of her own creative processing. Creative processing is the act of utilizing any creative venture to process emotion and life experience. This process can support us in gaining clarity around what we think, believe and feel. Creative processing can lead to a deepened inner wisdom and connection with the self; resulting in a greater sense of peace.

In this episode, consider how your identity has hindered you from finding peace. As I explore topics related to death and identity, this episode is an opportunity to recognize other aspects of WHO YOU ARE, that allow for deepened peace and lessened suffering.

References: Lecture by Alan Watts: https://youtu.be/2ABtVOnwHmo. Lecture by Alan Watts: https://youtu.be/igopCAJ_sVg Lexture by Alan Watts: https://youtu.be/U0CL5DO6Vys