by Sherianna Boyle, MEd, CAGS | December 7, 2014
disorder which can be evidenced through symptoms such as chronic
worrying. Science now shows that human beings have on average between
60,000 and 70,000 thoughts per day and according to author Joe Dispenza,
roughly “70% of those thoughts are negative in nature.” Negative
thoughts create negative emotions which over time neurologically create
redundant behaviors such as rushing, nervousness, preoccupation with the
future as well as the past. How is it then, that anxiety could be a
gift?
The truth is the actual symptoms itself may not be a gift, however
the experience of the symptoms are. It turns out thoughts and emotions
are made up of energy. They are simply molecules and atoms in motion.
These send off a vibrational frequency. When the frequency is low (has
little movement) this corresponds to low level emotions such as fear,
insecurity and guilt. When the frequency is high (more movement) this
corresponds to higher emotions such as courage, love and appreciation.
This information has been scientifically tested and validated by
scientists and clinicians such as Dr. David Hawkins.
This information allows us to approach, interpret and treat the symptoms of anxiety in
a new way. Rather than attempt to beat, cure, prevent or control the
symptoms the focus becomes on learning how to convert lower vibrational
emotions into higher ones. This creates quite a shift in the field of
psychology not only in the role of a therapist but also for the client.
When applied consistently techniques such as visualization, mindfulness,
and breathing have proven to transform emotions such as fear and worry
into faith. As this occurs, new interpretations and insights develop.
Similar to receiving clues in a board game symptoms become assets rather
than barriers. For example, an emotion such as shame when released from
the body has the capacity to uncover the gift of empathy.
Transforming emotions such as guilt into courage can be quite rewarding however, as stated in The Four Gifts of Anxiety
“a life with your gifts does not mean a life without challenges,
vulnerability or pain. Instead, a life with your gifts allows you to
become empowered by the very same symptoms you once believed
disempowered you.” The symptoms of anxiety when viewed in this light
become a guidepost rather than a barrier. Rather than being a signal for
what is wrong, think of a symptom such as increased heart rate as a
marking of a buried treasure (in this case a buried emotion) waiting to
be discovered.
Through skill development and awareness one can begin to surrender
the stigmas and stereotypes anxiety has formally attached to. Some of
these include subconscious beliefs that you have anxiety rather
than a reflection of your current experience (I am experiencing worry).
It is not until each and every one of us breaks the habit of becoming
our symptoms, instead choosing to pay attention to how they may in fact
be our greatest ally, as they often point out exactly which emotions are
looking to be acknowledged and cleared so we may open up the pathway to
our gifts.
References
Dispenza, Joe Ph.D. (2014) You Are the Placebo. Hay House, Inc. pp 45.
Hawkins, David R. M.D., Ph.D. (1995, 1998, 2004, 2012.) Power vs. Force. Hay House, Inc.
