Don’t Worry

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

– Buddha

Are you a worrier? I know I am. I come from a great line of worry-warts in my family. We are exceptional at putting countless amounts of overthinking into situations and circumstances to which we have little to no control. It's not good emotionally, mentally or physically. So why do we do it at all? More importantly, how can we stop?

Some scientists theorize that worrying may actually keep us safe. For example, if I'm concerned about being in a car accident, that worry will probably get me to put my seat belt on, which is a good thing.

It's nice to know that worrying actually suits a purpose, but I still would much rather do without such an excess of it.

In the article, “Seven Awesome Reasons to Be Present and How to Do It,” by Henrick Edberg, I read that being in the moment is an excellent way to stop worrying. When I am focused on what is happening right here and now, I don't allow time for my brain to worry about what might happen or stress about what has already passed.

Edberg explains there are many ways to keep your mind in the present moment. You can focus on your breathing or even focus on the sights and sounds that are around you. Feeling the sun on your skin or listening to the birds singing can bring you into the present and keep you there. Being aware with your senses can draw you into the moment and away from your anxiety.

Another technique that works for me is prayer. I silently repeat a short prayer over and over until my anxiety goes away. My go-to mantra is, “god has got this.” It's simple and easy and, most importantly, it works for me.

Sure, I've got work to do with controlling my worrying. It is a lifelong challenge for me to work on and find different techniques that help. There is also a comfort in knowing that my worrying is a human condition and I'm not alone. Even people in biblical times were sometimes worrying too much and turned to the scripture for guidance.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

– Psalm 34:4

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”

– Philippians 4:6

So, let's work together to go out in this great wide world and live out our hopes and not our fears. Remember, God has got this.

Author Info: Beatitudes Campus

At the foundation of Beatitudes Campus is the vision of church of the Beatitudes pastors and congregation members to create a better alternative for older adults than the nursing homes of the early 1960s. The type of community they imagined was the first of its kind in Arizona. Beatitudes Campus is proud to continue the legacy of our founders, by being a leader in the field of aging services for over 50 years.