Have you ever found yourself worrying as the day comes to a close because you are dreading yet another restless night, your mind racing, your heart jolting as the next adrenaline surge hits your system? Do you have a tight sensation in your chest, nausea, and shoulders that are bound up in knots?
You are certainly not alone. Many of us are prone to anxiety genetically. There are actual physiological responses that are taking place in your body that are causing the symptoms that you are experiencing. It is defiantly not "all in your head", though much of it is psychologically related. Anxiety is caused by your body's physical response to stress. Thankfully we do not need to go through the rest of our lives being plagued with these debilitating symptoms.
"Be Still" by Victoria Anderson, PHD and Lois D Brown, MA, is a book that has much to offer those of us who are experiencing the grip of Anxiety. As the title of the book suggests, it is written with the religious views of LDS people in mind. However, you need not suppose that you would not benefit from the valuable information it contains if you have other religious affiliations. Not only does "Be Still" help you understand why you are experiencing symptoms, but it offers many useful tools to help you maintain a peaceful existence.
As I read through the pages of this book, I found many of the things that we use in our yoga practice. It made me smile as I thought, no wonder I feel so much better after each class.
May you breathe in the pure beauty of stillness within. Namaste-
