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Anxiety is a pattern in the mind from "summary" of Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer
Anxiety is not just a fleeting emotion that comes and goes. It is a pattern that gets ingrained in our minds over time. This pattern becomes so deeply rooted that it starts to dictate our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without us even realizing it. We begin to believe that anxiety is a part of who we are, rather than recognizing it as a learned pattern that can be unwound. This pattern of anxiety often stems from our innate drive to seek pleasure and avoid pain. When we experience something that triggers discomfort or fear, our minds automatically try to find ways to avoid or escape that unpleasant feeling. This avoidance behavior might provide temporary relief, but it ultimately reinforces the anxiety pattern by teaching our brains that avoiding certain situations is the best way to cope. As we continue to avoid situations that make us anxious, our brains learn to associate those triggers with danger, further strengthening the anxiety pattern. This creates a vicious cycle where our avoidance behaviors actually make our anxiety worse in the long run. We become trapped in a cycle of fear and avoidance, unable to break free from the grip of anxiety. The good news is that just as we learned this anxiety pattern, we can also unlearn it. By bringing awareness to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can start to unravel the tangled web of anxiety that has taken hold of our minds. Instead of automatically reacting to our anxious thoughts, we can learn to observe them with curiosity and compassion, allowing them to arise and pass away without getting caught up in them. By breaking the cycle of avoidance and facing our fears head-on, we can begin to rewire our brains and create new, healthier patterns that promote calmness and resilience. It takes time and practice to unlearn old habits and cultivate new ones, but with patience and persistence, we can find freedom from the grip of anxiety and reclaim control over our minds.
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