A Simple Way to Assist with Anxiety and Depression
By Steven A. Hitz
Note: I frequently write articles for major news publications; usually focusing on the young adult world—which we celebrate through our charitable causes. Ryan requested I write a blog applicable to “fall”, so I thought I would share this article I recently wrote. When fall turns to winter, the topic I address in this article seems even more prevalent. I want our blog entries at Kahana to be useful in our lives, so this topic addresses an issue prevalent in all generations as we find ourselves feeling anxious or depressed. The meaning of our name means “Turning Point”, so I hope our blogs might provide a pathway to engage in solutions for life.
Aside from this article which I hope you and your associates, friends and loved ones may find helpful, please know that in our little startup company, we are off to a good start, thanks to our new and loyal customers. We express deep gratitude for our association.
Article:
The rising generations are keen on applying what they frequently call “daily mindfulness”. I present a simple idea that will add to solutions regarding the challenges of anxiety and depression.
Three of our millennial age children suffer from severe anxiety. I have a heart for these very real challenges. I researched a series of articles and helps which have provided significant stepping stones to reach the shores of peace and contentment. I offer one more stepping stone to assist in replacing anxiety and depression with peace and hope.
Setting a time apart from the pressing and complicated world we live in will put the hinges back on our doors and simplify our path forward. A time apart will settle the soul. It will reduce anxiety and depression. It will put fears in their “proper” perspective and allow hope to flourish.
In recent years I was introduced to the practice of meditation. The idea of meditation, which is a key part of daily mindfulness, is to center one’s thoughts, and allow a space of connectiveness with one’s self, the universe in which we dwell, and how we engage with the world we live in. It is a time to ponder things that really matter.
This innate desire of tapping the depths of our inner-self is available through the ritualistic habit of daily mindfulness. When dealing with anxiety it is often very difficult to sit silently, or to find a space or time apart which is not encumbered. This will require an earnest effort to start the process as our time is often crowded by schedule and duties of the world.
It is not easy to shut out the world and set aside a few minutes by yourself to establish this focus. My suggestion is that the best time available is early in the morning. Even if you must “find” this time by arising 30 minutes before you normally would, it is important to find this time apart.
Understand that this practice is not a one and done event. Rather, it should develop into the most meaningful part of our day—every day. This activity is both refreshing and empowering. Make this habit a daily ritual that is as unique as yourself. As an example of where to start, my daily mindfulness consists of exercise, music, readings, silence, journaling, and prayer. My meditation includes deep thought on topics such as:
a. Understanding my true identity
b. Development of core values
c. Discovering the course of life I desire to navigate (both today and long-term)
d. Finding strength to move beyond my personal doubts
e. Finding Peace and contentment in the path
f. Garnering inner-peace through the process that smoothers my anxiety and fears
In all of this, can you see how this applies directly to our challenges related to Anxiety and depression?
Healing our anxiety and depression is a multi-pronged approach. Professional counseling and therapy, doctor prescribed medications, and other remedies would not be adversely affected by adding daily mindfulness to our available solutions. In fact, the simple act of finding a time apart and practicing daily mindfulness couldbe the most powerful medicine of all.
When striving to find peace, it can’t be framed only around what other people have told us (though we all need mentors and guidance----Sherpa’s if you will). It must ultimately be developed in the inner cauldron and poured over our soul bit by bit, until our framework and core of who we really are become the foundation of peace and hope; the well spring which can significantly reduce anxiety and depression.
I sense that many in the rising generation have anxiety about how they will make their mark and make a difference in the world. I sense that the many challenges of the day such as social media and the expectations of others can cause fear and depression when they sense they are not “measuring up” or are not progressing according to the time table of others. What I am partly saying in all of this, is that we can come along side these generations, allow them to create their own measuring stick, chart a path that springs from their own daily mindfulness, and celebrate their unique contribution to mankind.
Marcus Aurelius, who was the emperor of Rome in A.D. 161, wrote much about his reflections. His daily devotionals helped him strike a balance between image and idea----a method to help him act with prudence and ethics as he ruled an empire. “Remember how long you’ve been putting this off, how many extensions the God’s gave you, and you didn’t use them. At some point you have to recognize what world it is that you belong to, what power rules it and from what source you spring; that there is a limit to the time assigned you, and if you don’t use it to free yourself it will be gone and will never return.”
He suggested taking life’s events with “the art of acquiescence”. Don’t be overwhelmed with the realities of the challenges before us, but rather, find a space that heals. A time apart. A time to establish the ritual of daily mindfulness.
The reason is to not just survive, but to thrive in our daily existence; or as the French scholar Pierre Hadot noted, meditations [or the act of daily mindfulness] are … “composed to provide a momentary stay against the stress and confusion of everyday life.”
I would also emphasize the practice of journaling as a part of daily mindfulness. Journaling the experiences of life----putting on paper those things the mind and heart render as meaningful to the soul, is a center piece for being holistic and content.
I invite you to find a time apart. A time to establish a daily ritual that will reduce anxiety and fears; that will build confidence and reduce depression; that will allow you to catch a glimpse every day of your glorious self.