I’ve been managing anxiety, with bouts of depression, since my late teens.  I’ve had many years of talk therapy, had good years and difficult years, been on and off the merry-go-round of medications; and am presently off of all medications with a decision to stay this way.  This is not an ‘I advocate anti-medication stance’ statement. Medications helped me when the anxiety and/or depression became too difficult to manage, and stabilized me so I was able to effectively cope and implement anxiety/depression management strategies.

Recently I blogged about self-talk and self-acceptance. With this mindfulness, I’ve recently observed how many fear based thoughts I was having each day and the exhausting amount of energy I’ve been spending trying to manage them. So much so, I’ve had to take a giant step back to slow down and regroup for a better perspective and find a more effective strategy than positive self-talk to cope with this uprising of anxiety.

I started reading about inner peace.  Inner calm.  And the space of no mind.  This space of no mind is a Zen Buddhist term for the spiritual practice of creating a distance, a space of peace from fear. I separate, distance myself from the conversations in my head and the emotional reactions I have to them. As I continually practice this space of peace; the space will widen, my state of mind will increasingly relax and my fears will disappear.  5 Ways to Overcome Fears

This Space of No Mind is the effective strategy I found today to help me with my current round of anxiety.

As well, reading about space of no mind called me back to the practice of meditation. I’ve taken Shambhala Training Level I & II and remember how much peace I felt not only during those retreat weekends, but incorporating daily meditation into my life! Reinspired, I’ve created a meditation spot!  A sacred spot with a short table simply decorated with candles, beach shells, rocks and a few other small, meaningful items.  Also, I’m writing out positive, meaningful messages and colouring them with bright colours to post on the wall above the small table to help keep me inspired and on track.

Namaste…….

S, 💛