Dear namastegirl11:

I know fear very well. This is my input: it is very possible to calm excessive, ongoing fear (how I define “anxiety”)- only it is a long process that requires an amazing amount of gentleness and patience with yourself and with the process itself.

I kept thinking, incorrectly, that once I figure things out, then my fear will.. go away. I kept thinking it was possible to no longer feel fear. I kept thinking, believing and I kept getting disappointed, losing faith and regressing into the fast-feel-good remedies (which in affect increased the fear, following, at best, a temporary distraction/ comfort).

The process for me has been a combination of ongoing greater and greater insight into my childhood and onward and a learning/ practicing of skills. The skills I am referring to is meditation, mindfulness (living, on-going meditation, paying attention) as well as healthy distractions, aerobic exercise, stretching exercise (yoga), hot tea and a hot bath. The choosing of what “tool” from the “tool box” to use so to help yourself along the way.

Hope you post again. I will be glad to reply again, if you’d like.

anita