Posted by ClearSkies on March 5, 2008, at 15:47:20
In reply to is this just how it's going to be? anxiety, posted by llurpsienoodle on March 5, 2008, at 7:37:02
My experience with meditation and guided relaxation has been that I've had to make them daily habits in order to find them beneficial. When I've reached for them in crisis time - omigod I'm really anxious, I'd better meditate Right Now!! then I might as well stop before I start. It works best for me to pick the same time of day and stick to it; and to do the meditation whether I feel that I "need" it or not - after several weeks' worth of this, I find that my body starts to become relaxed in anticipation of the meditation process, which is a wonderful gift in itself. That I've chosen bedtime to do this meditation has made night something I now look forward to, instead of a time I approach with great anxiety, which used to be the case.
For me, the magic was in creating the habit - this was what created the relaxed state of mind.
I still take medications as prescribed, but I see them also as a tool for creating that relaxed state, rather than the cure for my anxiety. The real tools are still up in my head.
Oh, and a cup of tea is hard to beat! Can't run around with a cup of tea in your hand...
take care,
CS
poster:ClearSkies
thread:816325
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080226/msgs/816395.html