Many of us focus all our worrying on the future, fearing the obstacles and challenges that might get in our way. Others trip out about things that have already happened. “Did I do enough?” “Did I do too much?” “Should I have done this instead?” We coulda, woulda, shoulda ourselves until we’re blue in the face.
One thing about anxiety – it’s smart. It knows it has a lower chance of survival in the present moment, so it keeps trying to seduce us into the past or future. Worry, regret, apprehension, and fear all have you looking forward or backward. Your best bet for keeping them at bay is to live in the now, and there’s no better way to get there than through meditation.
Meditation contains a whole arsenal of tools for focusing your mind. It’s all about finding the one that feels best for you, then sticking with it. While it can be difficult to get started, this ancient practice has been around for as long as it has because, well, it works.
So the next time you find yourself fixating on something you regret or spiraling into a panic about a future occurrence, find a touchpoint to help bring you back to the present moment and remember to keep breathing. We can’t change the past and we’re not always able to control the future, but we can close our eyes, focus on the now, then take it one inhale and one exhale at a time.
Need a little help releasing your grip on a worry or fear? These classes will help you get back into the now and set your anxious feelings aside.
Here and Now with Annie Carpenter
Audio Meditation – 20 min
Releasing the Future with David Harshada Wagner
Meditation – 15 min
From Anxiety to Ease with Tias Little
Audio Meditation – 10 min
Breath Calm Down with Marla Apt
Hatha – 5 min
