Anxiety and Hope – Our Constant Companions
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (28394)
Singapore
July 26, 2021 12:10pm CST
We are anxious to varying degrees. Things may end up as we had planned in the end, but the journey towards that destination is anxiety filled. Then hope kicks in as we travel towards our goal enabling us to press on.
There is always constant anxiety in me that I am not prepared for the uncertainties in my life. There have been a few major turns that caught me unawares but I was able to find a firm footing as I was flexible enough to accept the reality. During such times, I recall my father telling me – this is not the end of the world. We can always pick up the pieces and move on.
In such times are we now. No one saw this pandemic enveloping the whole world. We are made to clutch at straws to save our lives – no time to pause and ponder. Vaccinate first and then live to face the consequences. Some who looked the other way pleaded for the jab when it was too late.
And to think many countries aspire to enter the elite club of nuclear powers. Is it not clear enough that they are of no use against this unseen tiniest of enemies? Is it not a time for a rethink or, are we worse than stubborn teenagers out to have their way and repeat our mistakes?
We compound our anxieties through suspicion of others’ intentions, but hope springs eternal to reassure us that it is our call – whether to live or self-annihilate. At the end of the day anxiety is best confronted by unity and that is what hope is imploring us – be truthful to your conscience to have a smoother ride. We are all on a common journey at least as far as we exist here.
How do you face anxiety?
Image – Hope from free media site Pixabay
11 people like this
10 responses
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
31 Jul 21
It never used to be me but now I am destroyed from anxiety
3 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
26 Jul 21
I don't think I suffer from anxiety as a stress disorder.
Sometimes, I become anxious when there's an imminent danger but I don't allow the fear envelop me.
Finding solutions is the key. I would do my best to resolve issues. Preempting is preventing danger to happen.
In any case, I pray the Serenity Prayer penned by Reinhold Niebuhr. Here's the first stanza.
'God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.'
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
28 Jul 21
@Shiva49 Some people distract their minds from anxiety by singing or dancing, walking or even screaming. That last one must be done someplace where no one can hear. Like the fields.
Hope you find your way of relieving your self from anxiety.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28394)
• Singapore
27 Jul 21
Yes, that prayer sums it up well how to face our anxieties. Then nothing can really faze us.
Uncertainties bring about anxiety in me especially when I cannot do anything to tackle an issue that stares at me. I have to then bide my time and be at the mercy of others too.
Then again, our health also is a crucial factor as we are more vulnerable to anxiety, like when we suffer from blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28394)
• Singapore
28 Jul 21
@eileenleyva Thanks, I just live through them than pretending they are not there.
I try to learn lessons so that I know where I stand on such realities.
That also helps me to have more empathy and understanding for others who could be even worse of.
2 people like this
@epiffanie (11327)
• Australia
30 Jul 21
There are things that always trigger my anxiety.. When that happens, I just wanted to be left alone..
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28394)
• Singapore
1 Aug 21
It is said when we have elevated blood pressure, diabetes, then we have a lesser ability to control our anxiety levels. It is also necessary to control our anxiety levels for maintaining our health.
I do get anxious but only till I find a solution to some sudden issues that crop up.
2 people like this
@louievill (28846)
• Philippines
26 Jul 21
Those are wonderful insights. If you really think about it anxiety or worrying about something is useless, in a way it blurs finding a right solution to a problem.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28394)
• Singapore
27 Jul 21
Yes, some do get affected by the virus but the symptoms are mild compared to those who are not vaccinated.
And I have not heard anyone dying when they are fully vaccinated from the virus.
At the end of the day, it is a personal choice in democratic countries.
2 people like this
@innertalks (23743)
• Australia
27 Jul 21
Anxiety exists for us in our physical body, and mind, but it also has a spiritual cause too.
From a spiritual perspective, anxiety is a sign of spiritual insecurity.
This extends to anxiety in general too, and so all anxiety is always a form of our feeling insecure by our not fully accepting our current, or future situation, from sufficient love.
The fullness of ourselves as a person is restricted by anxiety.
All anxiety then is being out of balance.
It is an overbalanced stressing, and overemphasising of one part of our life at the expense of another part of our life.
Friction, and the clashing together of the different parts of our self, results in anxiety being experienced by all the parts of our self.
The solution then is in full acceptance of all of the parts of ourselves, and in the increased awareness to notice as soon as one of these parts begins to become out of balance, and then in the ability to trust our self to live from a greater level of love, that will act in us then now again, to return us again to a proper balance.
@innertalks (23743)
• Australia
27 Jul 21
@Shiva49 It would be hard to think that God also suffers from anxiety. He is total love, and it is said that there is no fear, anxiety, or any room for anything else, but love, in his love.
So, yes, our anxiety in our apparent separation away from the fountain of love, would tend to cause us anxiety, and getting that fountain of love flowing in us again, might tend to wash it away again then too.
@Shiva49 (28394)
• Singapore
27 Jul 21
@innertalks One of my anxieties during my last held job was my boss leaving me "high and dry" but with too much of his material resources for me to handle. He did ten years ago and the subsequent two years were, well, anxiety-filled. I had to make decisions and I took him on board as I knew how he would during my long association with him. Even the bankers were asking me for advice though I was not a joint or POA account holder! During the first few months, I was sort of sleepwalking getting his accounts under control with documents galore. And some were playing hide and seek too!
At the end of the day, I took it as an act of pure love for the departed soul and that gave solace during those trying times when vultures were looking for their spoils. I had to be fair, more loyal than the king himself!
Our actions inspired by love in its most pristine form keep all negative influences at bay. Then we are doing His bidding.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28394)
• Singapore
27 Jul 21
Thanks, Steve, I have also heard anxiety will be our constant companion to keep us alive
Uncertainties in our existence are part and parcel of life and that creates anxiety.
And then the fear of harm to our loved ones and how to face the consequences therefrom.
We are separated from our creator and that causes anxiety and when we feel his presence all the time, then anxiety takes a back seat.
Wise to choose love to keep anxiety at bay. Stay with love and exude it every moment rather than lose our moorings in it.
1 person likes this
