“You need not suppose that the soul is at peace when the body is still. Sometimes quiet means disquiet” (Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Letters 56.8)
When you’re alone at home, are you still anxious?
Is your down-time not so relaxing?
Despite the quiet of your external environment, is your internal experience turmoil? Many of the troubling thoughts that have been compartmentalized suddenly have your full attention. Sometimes it’s just a general feeling of unease.
The usual response is to find something to do. “Something to do” can be a healthy activity, but you’re still avoiding being alone with yourself.
No matter what you do it’s hard to find peace because no matter where you go, you take your mind with you.
This can go on for years. Over time you to feel exhausted, discouraged, and even resentful. Those feelings usually are projected onto different areas of life, including work and significant relationships.
One reason for this kind of anxiety is that your attention is focused on thoughts rather than living in the moment.
There are several things you can do to alleviate your stress. One simple technique is grounding; take some relaxing breaths and pay attention to your physical surroundings. If you’re sitting in a chair, notice how it feels, notice the color of the walls around you, pay attention to any sounds.
This helps calm your mind by confirming that at this moment…you’re safe.
The more you practice this technique, the better you get and the more helpful it becomes.
The very best to you all.