Introduction:

Anxiety is a problem that affects many people worldwide. It manifests as a constant feeling of worry and apprehension, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and breathing difficulties. But where does anxiety really come from? What is its connection with the past and the future? And what does it really mean to live in the here and now? In this article, we will explore these topics to better understand anxiety and try to figure out how to manage it.

The Root of Anxiety:

Anxiety can have various origins; it is not always linked to negative or traumatic past experiences. Events such as trauma, abuse, or significant losses can leave a deep imprint on our psyche, generating a sense of insecurity and fear that manifests as anxiety. Often even a “normal” or “linear” life can generate anxiety. Because it is the way I have lived, beliefs, hidden fears, emotional states, responses to difficulties, and the whole submerged world of emotions that generate the way we face life. But often I am not aware of all this. It is important to recognize the influence of the past in our present experience and work to process and heal from these emotional wounds in order to effectively address anxiety. In this sense, anxiety is a noble emotion that brings me straight to myself, to who I truly am. Often anxiety appears at a quiet moment in our life. To learn how to manage it I must learn to know it, follow it and see where it leads me. If I follow it without fear, it will take me exactly where everything originated. On this journey it will help me truly understand who I am and not who I wished to be. It will teach me to accept myself and from there the step towards freedom. The path is not simple but Mindfulness and Awareness will act as my “guide” and everything will lose the power that grips my soul. I will learn to manage it with “lightness”.

The Trap of the Future:

Similarly, anxiety can be fueled by excessive worry about the future. Uncertainty and fear of negative future events can trigger a series of catastrophic thoughts that feed anxiety. It is essential to learn how to manage future-oriented thinking and focus on the importance of living in the present. To do this, it is important to know our thoughts, learn to accept them, not judge them, and often let go. It is important to remind ourselves that we are not our thoughts but that our thoughts determine our view of reality.

Living in the “Here and Now”:

Living in the here and now means focusing on the present experience without being trapped by regrets about the past (which cannot return) or fears for the future (which we actually don’t know how it might be — it might not be as we imagine right now). This concept, often associated with mindfulness, invites us to become aware of the present moment and fully experience it without judgment. Anxiety can be reduced when we are aware of our thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed by them. In simpler terms, training awareness means training our attention—knowing where our attention is and deciding where to direct it. We are the ones who give power to thoughts. If we are aware, we bring power into our own hands.

Strategies for Facing Anxiety:

• Practice mindfulness: Dedicate time each day to focus on present experience. Meditation, mindful breathing, and other awareness techniques can help you develop greater awareness of the here and now. To start, stop and immediately bring your attention to your breath—inhale and exhale very slowly.
• Take Care of Yourself : Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Eat healthily, exercise regularly (even just a few minutes of brisk walking), and make sure you dedicate time to activities you enjoy and that relax you (even just a few minutes but done mindfully).
• Learn to Manage Stress: Identify stressful situations and develop strategies to handle them more effectively. You can try relaxation techniques like yoga or visualization to reduce stress and anxiety.

Conclusions:

Anxiety is a complex problem that can have roots in the past with significant impact on the future. However, learning to live in the here and now can be a powerful tool for facing anxiety. Becoming aware of the present moment and adopting strategies to reduce stress can help mitigate anxiety and improve quality of life. Remember that facing anxiety takes time and effort but with proper support and a positive mindset it is possible to overcome this challenge and live a calmer more fulfilling life. A Holistic counselor can be a professional reference who—with your important contribution—will help you help yourself discover that you already have everything needed to face your current situation. Your potential exists—you just need to discover it.