Emotions Are Our Allies: Even Anxiety!

Emotions are our allies: Even Anxiety!

When natural disasters happen, especially if they impact us directly, we naturally have feelings about the event. These feelings, like all feelings, aren’t good or bad – they just are, and they can be helpful allies in navigating life.  For example, anxiety can help us plan, prepare, or solve a problem. It can move us toward our goals as it carries with it an urge or impulse to ‘do something’.  Helpful anxiety is rooted in the present and helps us focus on what is in our control.  However, we can sometimes let anxiety overtake us and then it can become unhelpful. This type of anxiety has us focus on things outside our control such as potential catastrophic future events, or ‘what if’ future scenarios .

How has a natural disaster impacted you?  Does your anxiety help you plan and prepare (helpful) or does it have you focus on the ‘what-ifs’ or future events that you don’t have control over (unhelpful)?  

If you notice your anxiety has taken you into worrying about potential future events, bring  yourself back to the present by putting your feet on the ground and feeling the energy flowing between you and the ground, first left foot, then right foot, then both feet. Spend a few seconds noticing the contact and the energy flow between the ground and your feet.  Then ask yourself: What can I do right here, right now that might help me prepare for this potential event?  If nothing, then remind yourself you’re capable of handling it if the event does happen, and turn your focus to a here-and-now activity – something you have control over.