FEELING ANXIOUS? WELCOME THAT

As irrigators lead water where they want, as archers make their arrows straight, as carpenters carve wood, the wise shape their minds. -- The Buddha

That, shaping one's mind, is not such a daunting task as it first seems. Not so daunting, that is, if we remember we're going for progress, not perfection...if we're willing to listen, to follow directions, to sit in the silence.

To shape one's thoughts, after all, is simply changing one's mind. Maybe "simply" there should be in quotes, for it is a sad fact, changing my mind is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do in/for my spiritual growth. It is so hard because it requires me to let go of the idea that I already know or I should know, which is the ultimate ego-resistor.

I was sharing my experience with anxiety yesterday with a friend who is stuck in the exact same place I was some years back. Afraid to go forward, afraid to go back, afraid. And the real fear is not afraid of making a mistake, which is what it seems to be; no, the real fear is of the anxiety that sits in our belly, saying, "You move, and I'll get you." So we don't move, and then it gets us.

I learned the only way through my anxiety (which drove me like a slave owner, because it was) was to silently welcome the attack when I felt the first twinge. My reasoning mind's solution is to clinch, to guard against, to resist...we must go beyond reason to love, i.e., acceptance, surrender, God.

I had learned that spiritual principles can solve every problem...since there is a spiritual solution to every problem, I asked for God's solution. I was gifted with the magic of non-resistance...through welcome, through "thank You."

I found one of my notes to me in my "God Calling" recently. I'd written, "Was able to let an anxiety attack dissolve within me on the Metro yesterday." Those of us who suffer anxiety know what a miracle that was. And, I hasten to add, it did not stop my anxiety attacks. Believing that we now have a way to control them, just gives them power.

I learned that what I got was better than control of my anxiety (in which case, I'd always need to be on guard against it). What I got was the solution to the fear of them. Feel an attack coming on? Welcome it with a "thank You"...the non-resistance releases the fear of it, and we're now on the right track, going forward...toward shaping our minds. I have had enough positive experiences now that I know this to be true.

The kick in the pants is realizing that "shaping our minds" requires us to quit trying to use our minds as our protection, as our safety net, our fail safe...we learn to let God use our reasoning mind as and how He wills. And all we're required to remember is a simple "thank You."

Thank You.