Courtney,

I think the best thing to do in this situation is sit and breathe- meditating helps immensely.
Take a deep breath and focus on one task at a time. Be present in the moment and realize that sure, you’ve got a lot to do, but it’ll get done and it’ll be okay. By having circling thoughts you’re furthering the anxiety so just relax and DONT WORRY about it!

Breathe, sista!

Catherine

Cortney,

I’m sorry for your spinning thoughts, and know how disorienting it can be. Don’t despair, dear sister, there is always a path to peace. Consider that there are perhaps two components to the difficulty facing you. The first is the fear, the second is the mental racing that the fear inspires. These can be approached, you can find peace… but first you have to be patient. Much like a spinning top takes time to settle, so does the mind. So be tender, gentle with yourself as you try to settle. A few things came to heart as I read your words.

Meditation can help a lot to relax our mind, especially metta meditation. Consider “Sharon Salzburg guided metta meditation” on YouTube. If you find you’re unable to follow along, such as your mind blossoms with tons of racing thoughts instead of the images Sharon describes, consider a counting breath meditation. YouTube “Ajahn Jayasaro counting breaths”. Over time, the space around the anxiety opens, expands, and settling the fear becomes simple, direct.

Again, it takes time, and I know it can be tough to be patient when we’re in pain. Much like its difficult waiting for a fruit to ripen when we’re hungry, but its worth it. Even a week of metta practice one or two times a day could really help.

With warmth,
Matt