Anxiety: Distress. Uncertainty. Agitated. Jittery. Perturbed. Bothered. Apprehensive. Upset. Worried. Uneasy. Nervous Nanny.

I know these adjectives well, and also the sentence analogy, “He (or She) has a dog somewhere that won’t wait.” They are the often described unwelcome feelings of response by our sympathetic nervous system, experienced in places of our bodies, like our head, our neck, our chest, our stomach or back, informing us of a variety of “worrisomes.”

Responses tend to vary, often in some form of more or less activity, while trying to ease increasing discomfort in our bodies and keep peace in our soul.

This morning, while staving off the worrisomes, “securing the area” of the backyard, and making sure the birds had plenty of breakfast, I received this delightful gift, of a yellow butterfly milling around in the hot pink bougainvillea flowers, like a lady from the local high society attending a tea tasting event to sample the delicate new flavors. But because she was on a tight schedule, she had to taste with haste in order to be on time for her next engagement, which was at the Caterpillar Club, where she would be giving a motivational speech to the members on “The Joys of Change.”

Such moments like these, of nature in action, are delightful images in our memory for sure and I was thrilled to capture this one on film. And all of a sudden, in place of what “worrisome” I may have been ruminating about, I was reminded of this comment by Franz Kafka:

“You do not need to leave your room. Remain siting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”

A-h-h-h-h. I was now centered and peaceful. Thank you to the One Who loves us most and for flinging extravagancies.

I believe we all are familiar with the symptoms of anxiety. They are real, and our interpretations of the feelings and messages, are important for us to understand.

We may need to consider taking action. But first, I believe it is important to recognize that whatever situation we are in, will be best served by staying present in the moments with it, allowing ourselves time, or carving out some time, to process decisions as they unfold.

This allowance helps us to recognize and care for the effects of stress we are encountering, as well as remind us that our one precious life, needs and deserves our personal attention. Even though it can be difficult and worrisome, our bodies are helped when we care for the burdens we bear.

Also, inviting close friends, family or professionals to help us with those burdens, is not only helpful, but a welcome grace of care and support, that assists us and our bodies in carrying the weight, opening the door for healing and resilience.

We are made to be in connection with others and to receive the help and care extended to us on behalf of our well-being.

By the way, the One who loves us most has also offered to all of beloved humanity, a host of living, caring, gentle and wise healers – who wait for and welcome our arrival at a beautiful office referred to as …. nature. It’s free and and she loves having visitors.

For the Support of Your Life
For the Many Sides of Life
Paulette Jackson lpc-mhsp

You may find this article along with others at facetsofcounseliing.wordpress.com.