Morning anxiety is explored as a unique blend of physical sensations and thoughts. The host shares how these intense feelings can be reframed into heightened awareness. An enjoyable morning energy acts as a gateway to self-discovery, inviting listeners to dive into their true essence. They also promote a transformative silent retreat in Gatlinburg, emphasizing the power of prolonged silence to connect with one's unchanging nature. This nurturing experience aims to help individuals rediscover the truth of who they are amid everyday distractions.
Morning anxiety is often misinterpreted; recognizing it as mere physical energy can shift one's perspective towards acceptance and exploration.
Engaging with thoughts and sensations of morning anxiety through curiosity fosters a deeper understanding of emotional experiences and promotes stillness.
Deep dives
Understanding Morning Anxiety
Morning anxiety is often perceived as a formidable challenge, but its essence is rooted in the mind's tendency to label physical sensations as anxiety. The experience of morning anxiety is less about the sensations themselves and more about the thoughts and interpretations attached to them. As the mind awakens, it populates the initial quiet of consciousness with thoughts about the day ahead and unresolved issues from the past, creating a mental loop that can lead to increased anxiety. Recognizing that the label of anxiety is merely a thought can shift the perspective, revealing that what truly exists are just sensations and energy within the context of life.
Reframing Anxiety in the Body
Viewing morning anxiety as simply intense physical energy rather than a harmful experience can transform the relationship with those feelings. By embracing the sensations, rather than resisting them, one can experience them as a 'pull into what is'—a moment to be alive and aware. This approach encourages a deeper connection with bodily sensations, allowing for exploration without judgement and the potential to let go of the impulse to attach meaning or fear to them. As one moves away from identifying these sensations as anxiety, an openness to the experience emerges, allowing for greater understanding and acceptance.
Curiosity and Exploration
Engaging with the sensations and thoughts of morning anxiety through curiosity can create a profound shift in perception. By questioning the thoughts that arise—such as 'I don't want to get out of bed'—one can identify their arbitrary nature and reduce their power. This exploration allows for moments of stillness and silence amidst the mental chatter, fostering an acceptance of whatever arises as part of the total experience of being. Ultimately, framing morning anxiety as an opportunity for exploration rather than a problem to be fixed can lead to deeper insights and a more integrated understanding of one's emotional experience.
In this episode I revisit the topic of morning anxiety. I experience strong physical energy in the morning at times as well. I actually enjoy it. The strong sensations serve as a way to let attention go straight into What Is. I use this early morning time to explore the sense fields, including watching thought arise