I want to share a conversation I had with friends who meditated together recently. I meditate every day, either at a nearby meditation center or online with others. The theme of the day was “anxiety.” We each wrote down our anxieties in our notebooks and then shared them before meditating together.
I had many anxieties:
For example,
- Fear for my son, who loves hiking, getting injured in the mountains.
- Anxiety about my husband losing his job or facing financial difficulties.
- Concerns about becoming disabled if I were to have a car accident while driving.
- Worries about stagnating or regressing in my career while colleagues progress.
- Feeling guilty if my husband is in a bad mood or isn’t talking much, wondering if I did something wrong.
- Fear of being ostracized for a verbal slip-up during conversations with people.
- Anxiety about self-censoring my political and religious views before expressing them to close ones.
There were countless anxieties. When we shared these anxieties, we realized that we all had similar worries. We felt a strange solidarity and comforted each other, acknowledging that we all carry burdens of difficult emotions. Quietly, we closed our eyes and meditated, letting go of our anxieties.
Reflecting on my life, I realized that these anxieties are inevitable as we navigate through life. Experiences, observations, and incidents become ingrained in our minds, shaping who we are today and who we will be in the future. If I couldn’t break this chain, I knew I would be haunted by anxiety. I desperately wanted to break free from it.
I meditate every day. Consequently, when faced with formidable challenges like these emotional barriers, such as anxiety, I worry but also feel excited. I know that with consistent effort, I can overcome this immense obstacle. Through meditation, I discard my false emotions, such as anxiety, and transform myself every day. I’ve shifted from laziness to diligence, from complaints to gratitude, from wastefulness and indifference to thrift, affection, and interest. I will transform from anxiety to fulfillment.
As I finish this piece, my son returns home safely from his hike, entering my room with a bright smile. Let’s move forward, leaving behind anxiety.
