ਨਾਨਕ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਿਸਹੀ ਹੇਇ ॥
Nanak, don’t be anxious; the Lord will take care of you
(Guru Angad Dev Ji, Ang 955, Raag Ramkalee)
In recent weeks, I have seen an increase in the number of messages and calls being received all focussed around this idea of anxiety. My initial reaction was to create a little video about my general tips to help manage such feelings, but whilst on a walk a few days ago it became clear to me that this increase must have a link to the energy of the world right now. The news, the media, social media, family conversations to name a few sources, are all focused around one topic which is changing the energy around us. Those who have experienced anxiety, are seeing those feelings being heightened or triggered again due to this feeling of the unknown.
At every tough crossroad in our life, it is important that we take a moment to breathe and take a step back to assess the situation ahead of us. Our ancestors fought in wars, with death staring them in their face, but on the other side they came out more appreciative of the world. And that where the answer lies. Appreciation. It is that word and concept which is helping me get through this. Knowing that in a few weeks time when the media calms down and we can go out comfortably, my appreciation for loved ones and the planet earth will grow beyond my imagination. It is this foresightedness that Guru Nanak talks about in the quote I started with.
The true energy, the energy which is the source of all life, that energy will take care of you.
There are different names throughout Gurbani given to represent God, because it is a force which can not be described. This feeling of appreciation comes when we work on detaching ourselves from that which is not in our control. But what is in our control? We can control our responses and reaction to what goes on around us. Yes, one response is to blame something external, but our Gurus focussed on controlling the internal. How we respond to the world around us, is what truly defines us as people.
Below are some tips around what we can control and here you will find a short blog post I wrote about creating your own happiness.
1. Avoid over-eating and eat the right things.
This can increase the stress your body is put under if your digestive system is being asked to over work itself. Energy in your body will be used up here when it is best placed somewhere else.
2. Meditation
Take a moment in your day, no matter where you are or what you are doing, to just slow down your thoughts. You do not need to sit in one place or close your eyes, but try doing this, when you breathe in, saying to yourself, ‘I am breathing in’, when you breathe out, say to yourself, ‘i am breathing out’. Try doing this for 10 breaths. If your mind wonders, then come back to 1 and start again. P.s. it is not as easy as it sounds but really
effective in becoming present.
3. Understand your triggers
Take a moment to try and understand what it is that triggers your feelings of worry or fear. For me personally, certain words lead to me feeling slightly anxious so my aim has been to work on preventing this word having any form of effect.
4. Have an emergency routine
Find a shabad or kirtan video that you love, or even a TV show that never fails to make you laugh. Maybe it could be a skin care routine that helps your calm down and feel good about yourself. Whatever it may be, it is always great to have some form of exit strategy. A place you can take your mind to help ease the pain. I really hope the above can help you in the way it has helped me and those around me. Any feedback and criticism is welcomed with open arms.
GuruRakha,
Manpreet Kaur,
HelloManpreet.com