Ch.7 Living in an Anxious Body
Chapter Seven
Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted experience that can manifest in various ways, often extending beyond the realm of conscious thought. While traditional notions of anxiety may focus on cognitive symptoms such as racing thoughts or excessive worry, the somatic aspects of anxiety—the sensations and reactions felt in the body—are equally significant and worthy of exploration.
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Somatic Stories
For many individuals, living in an anxious body can be an isolating and confusing experience. You may find yourself going about your daily routines seemingly unaffected by conscious worries or fears, yet underneath the surface, your body tells a different story. Perhaps you notice a tightness in your chest, a fluttering in your stomach, or an overall sense of tension that persists despite your best efforts to ignore it.
At times, this disconnect between mind and body can be disorienting, leaving you grappling with a sense of unease or discomfort that defies explanation. You may wonder why you feel on edge or why your body seems to be in a perpetual state of alertness when there’s no apparent threat in your environment.
The Invisible Weight of Unseen Anxiety
Living with this invisible weight of unseen anxiety can take a toll on your emotional well-being and overall quality of life. You may feel frustrated by your inability to pinpoint the source of your distress or guilty for experiencing anxiety when there’s seemingly nothing to worry about. Others may minimize or dismiss your experiences, invalidating the very real impact that anxiety can have on your body and mind.
It’s essential to recognize that anxiety doesn’t always announce itself with loud, obvious signals. Sometimes, it lurks in the background, quietly influencing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in subtle yet significant ways. By acknowledging the presence of anxiety in your body, even when your mind feels relatively calm, you can begin to explore its underlying causes and work toward finding relief and resolution.
Honoring Your Body’s Wisdom
In navigating the complexities of living in an anxious body, it’s essential to honor your body’s wisdom and listen to its messages with compassion and curiosity. Rather than dismissing or suppressing your somatic experiences, invite them into your awareness and explore what they might be trying to communicate.
Mindful practices such as body scans, deep breathing exercises, and gentle movement can help you reconnect with your body and cultivate a sense of groundedness amidst the swirling currents of anxiety. Additionally, seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in somatic approaches to healing can provide valuable insights and guidance on your journey toward greater well-being.
Remember, you are not alone in your experience of living in an anxious body. By acknowledging and honoring the wisdom of your body, you can navigate the complexities of anxiety with resilience, compassion, and grace. Stay curious, stay open, and above all, be gentle with yourself as you walk this path of self-discovery and healing. If you’re interested in exploring this topic further or seeking support, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to accompany you on your journey toward greater peace and wholeness.
Until next time, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
– – Cat
Getting Started
Catherine Alvarado, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Consultant-in-Training (CIT) in Redondo Beach, CA. Beyond the pages of self-help blogs, she offers Individual Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Intensive EMDR, & Adjunct EMDR for teens and adults with anxiety disorders, specific phobias, trauma & stress related issues, & somatic complaints.
If you are experiencing distress, contact Cat to schedule a free phone consultation.
